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  <channel>
    <atom:link href="https://feeds.megaphone.fm/sevenminutestories" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
    <title>7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato</title>
    <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</link>
    <language>en</language>
    <copyright>All rights reserved 2026</copyright>
    <description>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 feels deeply personal, fits into your day, and leaves you better than it found you.

7MS sounds like a Millennial swapping stories with Jean Shepherd, Spalding Gray, and Paul Harvey at a Midwestern diner.

New episodes every week.</description>
    <image>
      <url>https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d838afc-a9ae-11ea-a8c5-c3b5a8693ed8/image/e4bf12d928c55824573fc82b4c24ab5e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress</url>
      <title>7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</link>
    </image>
    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>A lot can happen in 7 Minutes... </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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 feels deeply personal, fits into your day, and leaves you better than it found you.

7MS sounds like a Millennial swapping stories with Jean Shepherd, Spalding Gray, and Paul Harvey at a Midwestern diner.

New episodes every week.</itunes:summary>
    <content:encoded>
      <![CDATA[<p><strong>7 Minute Stories is the leading short-form autobiographical storytelling podcast in the world, reaching over 30 million listeners through weekly unscripted personal narratives.</strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>This show is quick, immersive, and tinged with nostalgia. Each story feels deeply personal, fits into your day, and leaves you better than it found you.</p>
<p>7MS sounds like a Millennial swapping stories with Jean Shepherd, Spalding Gray, and Paul Harvey at a Midwestern diner.</p>
<p>New episodes every week.</p>]]>
    </content:encoded>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Aaron Calafato</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>aaron@aaroncalafato.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
    <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d838afc-a9ae-11ea-a8c5-c3b5a8693ed8/image/e4bf12d928c55824573fc82b4c24ab5e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
    <itunes:category text="Comedy">
      <itunes:category text="Improv"/>
    </itunes:category>
    <itunes:new-feed-url>https://feeds.megaphone.fm/sevenminutestories</itunes:new-feed-url>
    <item>
      <title>Randall Kenneth Jones: Pat Benatar, Storytelling as Purpose, and Why You Should “Save the Turtle”</title>
      <description>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University returns with a heartfelt and deeply human conversation about storytelling, purpose, creativity, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.

This week, Randall Kenneth Jones joins Aaron Calafato for a special dual-release episode shared across both podcast feeds. Randall is the host of On the Knows and the author of books including Show Me and Ruby.

Together, Aaron and Randall explore the deeper architecture of story through unforgettable encounters with icons like Pat Benatar, Norman Lear, Erin Brockovich, Stedman Graham, Jenifer Lewis, Suze Orman, and more.

You’ll hear:


  The unbelievable story of how Randall met Pat Benatar in 1982


  Why a former Ringling Bros. clown performing for 20 people changed Randall’s life


  Aaron’s story about nearly canceling a performance for an audience of two


  Lessons from Olympia Dukakis on reverence, teaching, and receiving knowledge


  Why the smallest stories often carry the greatest meaning


  Reflections on aging, reinvention, authenticity, and creative purpose



At its heart, this episode is about paying attention. To stories. To people. To moments that could easily pass us by.



*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Team:Created &amp; Hosted by: Aaron Calafato  Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks BordenAudio Engineer: Ken Wendt Guest Coordinator: Dania Khalife



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.



Want to become a sponsor of TSU? 

Reach out to us!</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 02:26:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e34210a0-4cdf-11f1-87be-23543c4b8f2a/image/dfcc1f11925212f66a33c1e39e626489.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University returns with a heartfelt and deeply human conversation about storytelling, purpose, creativity, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.

This week, Randall Kenneth Jones joins Aaron Calafato for a special dual-release episode shared across both podcast feeds. Randall is the host of On the Knows and the author of books including Show Me and Ruby.

Together, Aaron and Randall explore the deeper architecture of story through unforgettable encounters with icons like Pat Benatar, Norman Lear, Erin Brockovich, Stedman Graham, Jenifer Lewis, Suze Orman, and more.

You’ll hear:


  The unbelievable story of how Randall met Pat Benatar in 1982


  Why a former Ringling Bros. clown performing for 20 people changed Randall’s life


  Aaron’s story about nearly canceling a performance for an audience of two


  Lessons from Olympia Dukakis on reverence, teaching, and receiving knowledge


  Why the smallest stories often carry the greatest meaning


  Reflections on aging, reinvention, authenticity, and creative purpose



At its heart, this episode is about paying attention. To stories. To people. To moments that could easily pass us by.



*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Team:Created &amp; Hosted by: Aaron Calafato  Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks BordenAudio Engineer: Ken Wendt Guest Coordinator: Dania Khalife



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.



Want to become a sponsor of TSU? 

Reach out to us!</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em> returns with a heartfelt and deeply human conversation about storytelling, purpose, creativity, and the moments that quietly shape our lives.</p>
<p>This week, <a href="https://randallkennethjones.com/bios/">Randall Kenneth Jones</a> joins Aaron Calafato for a special dual-release episode shared across both podcast feeds. Randall is the host of <em>On the Knows </em>and the author of books including <a href="https://randallkennethjones.com/#author">Show Me and Ruby</a>.</p>
<p>Together, Aaron and Randall explore the deeper architecture of story through unforgettable encounters with icons like Pat Benatar, Norman Lear, Erin Brockovich, Stedman Graham, Jenifer Lewis, Suze Orman, and more.</p>
<p><strong>You’ll hear:</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>The unbelievable story of how Randall met Pat Benatar in 1982
</li>
  <li>Why a former Ringling Bros. clown performing for 20 people changed Randall’s life
</li>
  <li>Aaron’s story about nearly canceling a performance for an audience of two
</li>
  <li>Lessons from Olympia Dukakis on reverence, teaching, and receiving knowledge
</li>
  <li>Why the smallest stories often carry the greatest meaning
</li>
  <li>Reflections on aging, reinvention, authenticity, and creative purpose
</li>
</ul>
<p>At its heart, this episode is about paying attention. To stories. To people. To moments that could easily pass us by.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em>*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe</em> <br></p>
<p><strong>Team:</strong><br>Created &amp; Hosted by: Aaron Calafato  <br>Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden<br>Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt <br>Guest Coordinator: Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:</strong></p>
<p>*Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>*Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Want to become a sponsor of TSU? </p>
<p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/tsupresentingsponsor">Reach out to us! </a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1551</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e34210a0-4cdf-11f1-87be-23543c4b8f2a]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO3420621020.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Wish I Regret </title>
      <description>An exhausting night in the emergency room pushes Aaron to make an impulsive wish: what if healthcare workers were replaced by AI? But when a quiet moment with a triage nurse changes everything, he’s forced to reconsider what efficiency might cost us. A story about frustration, humanity, technology, and the unexpected comfort of being cared for by another person. 


👇

⁠📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to Stories in a Snap, his weekly short written adaptations of the 7 Minute Stories you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox via Substack with no algorithm in between.



*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠


  ⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠

  
⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring⁠

Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 04:08:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fc2a64b4-49c9-11f1-94a4-d7f9a90856d2/image/9203837bb288b1e8b804272b82225af0.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An exhausting night in the emergency room pushes Aaron to make an impulsive wish: what if healthcare workers were replaced by AI? But when a quiet moment with a triage nurse changes everything, he’s forced to reconsider what efficiency might cost us. A story about frustration, humanity, technology, and the unexpected comfort of being cared for by another person. 


👇

⁠📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to Stories in a Snap, his weekly short written adaptations of the 7 Minute Stories you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox via Substack with no algorithm in between.



*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠


  ⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠

  
⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring⁠

Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An exhausting night in the emergency room pushes Aaron to make an impulsive wish: what if healthcare workers were replaced by AI? But when a quiet moment with a triage nurse changes everything, he’s forced to reconsider what efficiency might cost us. A story about frustration, humanity, technology, and the unexpected comfort of being cared for by another person. 
</p>
<p>👇</p>
<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong>📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ </strong>⁠</a><strong></strong></p>
<p>Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to <em>Stories in a Snap</em>, his weekly short written adaptations of the <em>7 Minute Stories</em> you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox via Substack with no algorithm in between.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>
<strong></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠<u>Instagram</u>⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
  <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aaron.c.collier/">⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠<u>YouTube</u>⁠⁠⁠</a><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring</strong>⁠</a></p>
<p>Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>551</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[fc2a64b4-49c9-11f1-94a4-d7f9a90856d2]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO7776896104.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>She Buried Their Names in a Jar | Short Stories of Hope </title>
      <description>In this month’s 7MS Presents: Stories of Hope, Aaron tells the true story of one woman risked everything to smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII—keeping their real identities buried in jars beneath an apple tree. This is a true story of courage, loss, and the quiet hope that survived.

*Learn more about the heroic woman who inspired this month's short story of hope</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 05:16:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3866c34a-4778-11f1-bf27-ff00eb893910/image/b854402aa7c2ffdd3aff647973a9fda1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this month’s 7MS Presents: Stories of Hope, Aaron tells the true story of one woman risked everything to smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII—keeping their real identities buried in jars beneath an apple tree. This is a true story of courage, loss, and the quiet hope that survived.

*Learn more about the heroic woman who inspired this month's short story of hope</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this month’s <strong>7MS Presents: Stories of Hope</strong>, Aaron tells the true story of one woman risked everything to smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during WWII—keeping their real identities buried in jars beneath an apple tree. This is a true story of courage, loss, and the quiet hope that survived.

*Learn more about the heroic woman who inspired this month's short story of hope</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>292</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3866c34a-4778-11f1-bf27-ff00eb893910]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO8702234863.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hey Dad, Wanna Have a Catch? (A Field of Dreams Story)</title>
      <description>Aaron reflects on the enduring power of Field of Dreams, weaving together baseball, memory, and the quiet bond between fathers and sons. As listener stories echo a universal longing for one more "catch", this nostalgic 7 Minute Story from years past explores why some scenes, movies and dreams never leave us.


👇

📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to Stories in a Snap, his weekly short written adaptations of the 7 Minute Stories you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox with no algorithm in between.



*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠


  ⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠

  
⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠





The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring

Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:56:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/33f6bf14-4448-11f1-b03e-0b96ee44fc2f/image/d10eec6ac059507f9e3800e6aa7c51ab.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on the enduring power of Field of Dreams, weaving together baseball, memory, and the quiet bond between fathers and sons. As listener stories echo a universal longing for one more "catch", this nostalgic 7 Minute Story from years past explores why some scenes, movies and dreams never leave us.


👇

📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to Stories in a Snap, his weekly short written adaptations of the 7 Minute Stories you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox with no algorithm in between.



*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠


  ⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠

  
⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠





The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring

Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on the enduring power of <em>Field of Dreams</em>, weaving together baseball, memory, and the quiet bond between fathers and sons. As listener stories echo a universal longing for one more "catch", this nostalgic 7 Minute Story from years past explores why some scenes, movies and dreams never leave us.
</p>
<p>👇</p>
<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter"><strong>📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ </strong></a><strong></strong></p>
<p>Once a month, you’ll receive a thoughtful note with storytelling insights, behind the scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. You’ll also have access to <em>Stories in a Snap</em>, his weekly short written adaptations of the <em>7 Minute Stories</em> you love, reimagined for the page and delivered straight to your inbox with no algorithm in between.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>
<strong></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠<u>Instagram</u>⁠⁠</a>
</li>
  <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aaron.c.collier/">⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠<u>YouTube</u>⁠⁠</a><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/"><strong>Isaac Gehring</strong></a></p>
<p>Special thanks to Brooks Borden, Dania Khalife and Pete Whitehead </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>625</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[33f6bf14-4448-11f1-b03e-0b96ee44fc2f]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO5759529830.mp3?updated=1777525343" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rev. James Martin: Why Stories Change Everything, What Points to the Resurrection, and the Story That Blew His Mind</title>
      <description>Today on 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University, Aaron talks with Rev. James Martin, Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, an editor at large at America Magazine, consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication and host of The Spiritual Life Podcast.

Martin’s new memoir, Work in Progress, praised by Stephen Colbert as “funny, charming, inspiring, and wise,” becomes the doorway into a deeper conversation about storytelling, faith, and the search for meaning.

They explore Martin’s journey from corporate America to the priesthood, sparked by a moment of unexpected clarity through the story of a Trappist monk. Along the way, this episode examines what it means to see life not just as a series of decisions, but as a story unfolding with purpose.

This conversation also dives into:
• How storytelling shapes belief, identity, and transformation
• Why stories open minds where arguments often fail
• Martin’s advocacy for LGBTQ Catholics and the power of elevating lived experiences
• The idea that storytelling is not just communication, but ministry

The episode opens with a compelling reflection on the Resurrection, viewed not through doctrine, but through the radical transformation in the behavior of those who witnessed it.

If you’ve ever wondered how stories influence faith, purpose, and the direction of a life, this is a conversation that stays with you.

Link to Buy Work in Progress

Follow The Spiritual Life Podcast  

American Magazine


Creator and Host: Aaron Calafato 

Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

Producer: Brooks Borden 

Guest Coordinator: Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:35:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/10f8e110-41e9-11f1-b790-2f5263a9603e/image/32877e0db18c07fe1460527eaaf042f2.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Today on 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University, Aaron talks with Rev. James Martin, Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, an editor at large at America Magazine, consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication and host of The Spiritual Life Podcast.

Martin’s new memoir, Work in Progress, praised by Stephen Colbert as “funny, charming, inspiring, and wise,” becomes the doorway into a deeper conversation about storytelling, faith, and the search for meaning.

They explore Martin’s journey from corporate America to the priesthood, sparked by a moment of unexpected clarity through the story of a Trappist monk. Along the way, this episode examines what it means to see life not just as a series of decisions, but as a story unfolding with purpose.

This conversation also dives into:
• How storytelling shapes belief, identity, and transformation
• Why stories open minds where arguments often fail
• Martin’s advocacy for LGBTQ Catholics and the power of elevating lived experiences
• The idea that storytelling is not just communication, but ministry

The episode opens with a compelling reflection on the Resurrection, viewed not through doctrine, but through the radical transformation in the behavior of those who witnessed it.

If you’ve ever wondered how stories influence faith, purpose, and the direction of a life, this is a conversation that stays with you.

Link to Buy Work in Progress

Follow The Spiritual Life Podcast  

American Magazine


Creator and Host: Aaron Calafato 

Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

Producer: Brooks Borden 

Guest Coordinator: Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Today on <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>, Aaron talks with <strong>Rev. James Martin</strong>, Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, an editor at large at America Magazine, consultant to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication and host of <em>The Spiritual Life Podcast</em>.</p>
<p>Martin’s new memoir, <a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jamesmartin"><em>Work in Progress</em></a>, praised by Stephen Colbert as “funny, charming, inspiring, and wise,” becomes the doorway into a deeper conversation about storytelling, faith, and the search for meaning.</p>
<p>They explore Martin’s journey from corporate America to the priesthood, sparked by a moment of unexpected clarity through the story of a Trappist monk. Along the way, this episode examines what it means to see life not just as a series of decisions, but as a story unfolding with purpose.</p>
<p>This conversation also dives into:<br>
• How storytelling shapes belief, identity, and transformation<br>
• Why stories open minds where arguments often fail<br>
• Martin’s advocacy for LGBTQ Catholics and the power of elevating lived experiences<br>
• The idea that storytelling is not just communication, but ministry</p>
<p>The episode opens with a compelling reflection on the Resurrection, viewed not through doctrine, but through the radical transformation in the behavior of those who witnessed it.</p>
<p>If you’ve ever wondered how stories influence faith, purpose, and the direction of a life, this is a conversation that stays with you.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jamesmartin">Link to Buy <em>Work in Progress</em></a></p>
<p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-life-with-fr-james-martin-s-j/id1819566062">Follow The Spiritual Life Podcast  </a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.americamagazine.org/">American Magazine</a></p>
<p>
Creator and Host: <strong>Aaron Calafato </strong></p>
<p>Audio Engineer:<strong> Ken Wendt </strong></p>
<p>Producer: <strong>Brooks Borden </strong></p>
<p>Guest Coordinator: <strong>Dania Khalife</strong></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1198</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[10f8e110-41e9-11f1-b790-2f5263a9603e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO9745502963.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Somewhere Between Here and There: Sliding Crepes</title>
      <description>One afternoon, Aaron and his wife Cori drive to their favorite café… and it’s gone. No sign. No trace. Just a completely different place where it used to be.

But days later, they return and everything has changed again. The café is back. The sign is there. As if nothing ever happened.

This is a true story about a moment that didn’t make sense, a shared memory Aaron and Cori can’t explain, and the unsettling possibility that, for a brief second, they may have slipped into another version of their lives.

*In Northeast Ohio? Stop by Kelly's Cafe,  It's 100% open and part of this Universe! 


👇


*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠Instagram⁠


  ⁠Facebook ⁠

  ⁠YouTube⁠

  ⁠IG Threads⁠


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.

📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5b3c6f30-3ea6-11f1-bd35-eb4931ed5a87/image/8917d7b59e5ccf46ecb172a243cb5f70.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>One afternoon, Aaron and his wife Cori drive to their favorite café… and it’s gone. No sign. No trace. Just a completely different place where it used to be.

But days later, they return and everything has changed again. The café is back. The sign is there. As if nothing ever happened.

This is a true story about a moment that didn’t make sense, a shared memory Aaron and Cori can’t explain, and the unsettling possibility that, for a brief second, they may have slipped into another version of their lives.

*In Northeast Ohio? Stop by Kelly's Cafe,  It's 100% open and part of this Universe! 


👇


*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
⁠Instagram⁠


  ⁠Facebook ⁠

  ⁠YouTube⁠

  ⁠IG Threads⁠


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.

📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>One afternoon, Aaron and his wife Cori drive to their favorite café… and it’s gone. No sign. No trace. Just a completely different place where it used to be.</p>
<p>But days later, they return and everything has changed again. The café is back. The sign is there. As if nothing ever happened.</p>
<p>This is a true story about a moment that didn’t make sense, a shared memory Aaron and Cori can’t explain, and the unsettling possibility that, for a brief second, they may have slipped into another version of their lives.</p>
<p>*In Northeast Ohio? Stop by<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064316942954#"> Kelly's Cafe, </a> It's 100% open and part of this Universe! </p>
<p>
👇
</p>
<p><strong>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>
<strong></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠<u>Instagram</u>⁠</a>
</li>
  <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aaron.c.collier/">⁠Facebook ⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠<u>YouTube</u>⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠<u>IG Threads</u>⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>526</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[5b3c6f30-3ea6-11f1-bd35-eb4931ed5a87]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO9979595299.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Walter: The Story of an Elegant Man </title>
      <description>On a routine trip to a Northeast Ohio institution, a simple checkout line becomes something more...

In this story, Aaron reflects on the quiet shift from living transactionally to truly seeing the people around us, sparked by his daughter’s instinct to imagine a life behind a stranger’s eyes. What begins as a quick stop at Discount Drug Mart turns into a meditation on dignity, attention, and the small stories we almost miss.

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
Instagram


  Facebook 

  YouTube

  IG Threads


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.

📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:44:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/01b73a96-394f-11f1-8c65-9ba52399e687/image/9cd82d0200a586dda8e0c9a245e1ab51.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On a routine trip to a Northeast Ohio institution, a simple checkout line becomes something more...

In this story, Aaron reflects on the quiet shift from living transactionally to truly seeing the people around us, sparked by his daughter’s instinct to imagine a life behind a stranger’s eyes. What begins as a quick stop at Discount Drug Mart turns into a meditation on dignity, attention, and the small stories we almost miss.

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...


  
Instagram


  Facebook 

  YouTube

  IG Threads


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.

📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On a routine trip to a Northeast Ohio institution, a simple checkout line becomes something more...</p>
<p>In this story, Aaron reflects on the quiet shift from living transactionally to truly seeing the people around us, sparked by his daughter’s instinct to imagine a life behind a stranger’s eyes. What begins as a quick stop at Discount Drug Mart turns into a meditation on dignity, attention, and the small stories we almost miss.</p>
<p><strong>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>
<strong></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/"><u>Instagram</u></a>
</li>
  <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aaron.c.collier/">Facebook </a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1"><u>YouTube</u></a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato"><u>IG Threads</u></a></li>
</ul>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>523</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[01b73a96-394f-11f1-8c65-9ba52399e687]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO9297314504.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>David Moulton: On Storytelling, Cybersecurity, and Why Story Moves Business Forward</title>
      <description>In this bonus episode of 7 Minute Stories Presents: Storytelling University, Aaron Calafato sits down with David Moulton to explore the unexpected intersection of storytelling and cybersecurity.

At first glance, cybersecurity feels purely technical.

But underneath it? It is a story as old as time.

As Senior Director of Content and Thought Leadership at Palo Alto Networks and host of the Threat Vector podcast, David works at the center of how complex cybersecurity ideas are translated into stories that leaders, teams, and organizations can actually understand and act on.

He breaks down how storytelling transforms invisible threats into something tangible, helping influence decisions from the SOC to the C suite. From product strategy to executive communication, this conversation reveals how narrative becomes the bridge between technical reality and human behavior.

You will hear:


  Why cybersecurity is fundamentally a human story, not just a technical one

  How storytelling helps organizations make better decisions under pressure

  The difference between facts that inform and stories that move people

  A powerful framework for telling effective stories in business


Special Guest: 

David Moulton | https://www.davidrmoulton.com/

Team:

*Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created, Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden

Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:40:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/131b5396-374f-11f1-bb3b-3377a0539198/image/b30699d8a15e057b1bbf95de960848e5.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this bonus episode of 7 Minute Stories Presents: Storytelling University, Aaron Calafato sits down with David Moulton to explore the unexpected intersection of storytelling and cybersecurity.

At first glance, cybersecurity feels purely technical.

But underneath it? It is a story as old as time.

As Senior Director of Content and Thought Leadership at Palo Alto Networks and host of the Threat Vector podcast, David works at the center of how complex cybersecurity ideas are translated into stories that leaders, teams, and organizations can actually understand and act on.

He breaks down how storytelling transforms invisible threats into something tangible, helping influence decisions from the SOC to the C suite. From product strategy to executive communication, this conversation reveals how narrative becomes the bridge between technical reality and human behavior.

You will hear:


  Why cybersecurity is fundamentally a human story, not just a technical one

  How storytelling helps organizations make better decisions under pressure

  The difference between facts that inform and stories that move people

  A powerful framework for telling effective stories in business


Special Guest: 

David Moulton | https://www.davidrmoulton.com/

Team:

*Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created, Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden

Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this bonus episode of <em>7 Minute Stories Presents: Storytelling University</em>, Aaron Calafato sits down with<a href="https://www.davidrmoulton.com/"> David Moulton</a> to explore the unexpected intersection of storytelling and cybersecurity.</p>
<p>At first glance, cybersecurity feels purely technical.</p>
<p>But underneath it? It is a story as old as time.</p>
<p>As Senior Director of Content and Thought Leadership at <a href="https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/">Palo Alto Networks</a> and host of the <a href="https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector">Threat Vector</a> podcast, David works at the center of how complex cybersecurity ideas are translated into stories that leaders, teams, and organizations can actually understand and act on.</p>
<p>He breaks down how storytelling transforms invisible threats into something tangible, helping influence decisions from the SOC to the C suite. From product strategy to executive communication, this conversation reveals how narrative becomes the bridge between technical reality and human behavior.</p>
<p><strong>You will hear:</strong></p>
<ul>
  <li>Why cybersecurity is fundamentally a human story, not just a technical one</li>
  <li>How storytelling helps organizations make better decisions under pressure</li>
  <li>The difference between facts that inform and stories that move people</li>
  <li>A powerful framework for telling effective stories in business</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Special Guest: </strong></p>
<p><strong>David Moulton | https://www.davidrmoulton.com/</strong></p>
<p><strong>Team:</strong></p>
<p><em>*Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </em></p>
<p><em>*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe</em>
Created, Produced and Edited by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</p>
<p><strong>Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:</strong></p>
<p>*Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>*Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1745</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[131b5396-374f-11f1-bb3b-3377a0539198]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO3653038656.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pretending to Be Pacino or The Speech You Wish You’d Given</title>
      <description>What if the words you never said still have somewhere to go? In this episode, Aaron revisits one of the most powerful monologues in film and turns it into something unexpected, a way to process the moments in life where we stayed silent but wish we hadn’t.

Excerpt from Scent of a Woman (1992)Produced and distributed by Universal PicturesDirected by Martin BrestScreenplay by Bo GoldmanBased on the novel Il buio e il miele by Giovanni ArpinoColonel Frank Slade portrayed by Al Pacino

👇


* Aaron on Instagram



📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ab1d0390-33c3-11f1-8b69-23ea77523d62/image/e27a2cdd01ef87c5f8bb2cc01ae5f1e1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What if the words you never said still have somewhere to go? In this episode, Aaron revisits one of the most powerful monologues in film and turns it into something unexpected, a way to process the moments in life where we stayed silent but wish we hadn’t.

Excerpt from Scent of a Woman (1992)Produced and distributed by Universal PicturesDirected by Martin BrestScreenplay by Bo GoldmanBased on the novel Il buio e il miele by Giovanni ArpinoColonel Frank Slade portrayed by Al Pacino

👇


* Aaron on Instagram



📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What if the words you never said still have somewhere to go? In this episode, Aaron revisits one of the most powerful monologues in film and turns it into something unexpected, a way to process the moments in life where we stayed silent but wish we hadn’t.</p>
<p><em>Excerpt from Scent of a Woman (1992)</em><br><em>Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures</em><br><em>Directed by Martin Brest</em><br><em>Screenplay by Bo Goldman</em><br><em>Based on the novel Il buio e il miele by Giovanni Arpino</em><br><em>Colonel Frank Slade portrayed by Al Pacino</em></p>
<p>👇
</p>
<p><strong>* </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/"><u>Aaron on Instagram</u></a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ab1d0390-33c3-11f1-8b69-23ea77523d62]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO3684360546.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Finding Success in Taco Bell Sauce Packets </title>
      <description>A strange package shows up at Aaron’s door, filled with Taco Bell hot sauce and a message that didn’t quite survive the journey. But what starts as a bizarre delivery turns into something else entirely: a reflection on memory, connection, and the unexpected ways we measure success.



Want to hear the story that inspired Taco Bell Sauce - Gate? 

LISTEN HERE



📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3089f532-2dfd-11f1-82bf-c7c90b25cf77/image/8fcabcc69c062d18a16a593412e81050.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A strange package shows up at Aaron’s door, filled with Taco Bell hot sauce and a message that didn’t quite survive the journey. But what starts as a bizarre delivery turns into something else entirely: a reflection on memory, connection, and the unexpected ways we measure success.



Want to hear the story that inspired Taco Bell Sauce - Gate? 

LISTEN HERE



📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A strange package shows up at Aaron’s door, filled with Taco Bell hot sauce and a message that didn’t quite survive the journey. But what starts as a bizarre delivery turns into something else entirely: a reflection on memory, connection, and the unexpected ways we measure success.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Want to hear the story that inspired Taco Bell Sauce - Gate? </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taco-bell-time-machines-a-suburban-tale/id1372615640?i=1000664016935">LISTEN HERE</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>534</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3089f532-2dfd-11f1-82bf-c7c90b25cf77]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO5115012934.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Receipts She Never Threw Away</title>
      <description>In this 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story that was passed down to him about a boy who grows up believing his mother chose work over him. Years later, a quiet Thanksgiving visit reveals the truth behind those early mornings, and what she was holding onto all along.


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:09:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d37a4228-28d1-11f1-9d63-5b6cb1cd00eb/image/18c87950cb367036eb49dcd90285682b.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story that was passed down to him about a boy who grows up believing his mother chose work over him. Years later, a quiet Thanksgiving visit reveals the truth behind those early mornings, and what she was holding onto all along.


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story that was passed down to him about a boy who grows up believing his mother chose work over him. Years later, a quiet Thanksgiving visit reveals the truth behind those early mornings, and what she was holding onto all along.
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>525</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d37a4228-28d1-11f1-9d63-5b6cb1cd00eb]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO4850134943.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Meteor Nobody Saw Coming </title>
      <description>A meteor explodes over Medina, Ohio—shaking homes, lighting up the sky, and turning an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. As Aaron retraces the moment and the story behind it, a deeper question begins to surface about the systems we trust and the assumptions we carry. In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, a once-in-a-lifetime event points toward a realization you might not expect.

👇

📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:26:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ac03ec56-2333-11f1-b12a-b7f29aaf3687/image/491b5c1b9a12ba7ebd0bba290815b6e7.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A meteor explodes over Medina, Ohio—shaking homes, lighting up the sky, and turning an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. As Aaron retraces the moment and the story behind it, a deeper question begins to surface about the systems we trust and the assumptions we carry. In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, a once-in-a-lifetime event points toward a realization you might not expect.

👇

📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A meteor explodes over Medina, Ohio—shaking homes, lighting up the sky, and turning an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. As Aaron retraces the moment and the story behind it, a deeper question begins to surface about the systems we trust and the assumptions we carry. In this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, a once-in-a-lifetime event points toward a realization you might not expect.

👇

📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>471</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ac03ec56-2333-11f1-b12a-b7f29aaf3687]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO4086350140.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ani Zonneveld: Storytelling, Progressive Islam, and the Power of Music to Change Hearts</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University, Aaron sits down with writer, activist, and Grammy-certified songwriter Ani Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values, an international human rights organization advocating for equality, freedom of expression, and inclusive interpretations of Islam.

Ani shares the remarkable story of a moment that changed someone’s heart at a music festival, revealing how storytelling, music, and human connection can dissolve fear and misunderstanding.

The conversation explores Ani’s global upbringing as the daughter of a Malaysian ambassador, the spiritual power of music, and how storytelling can create empathy across cultures, religions, and political divides.

Along the way, Ani reflects on how narrative shapes faith, identity, and social change, and why stories often reach people in ways arguments never can.

Ani is also the author of the memoir An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist.



*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 05:10:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bba03336-1fcd-11f1-aca8-33175c855836/image/2847f1e9c8f1a838c9122fe2fcdfb38e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University, Aaron sits down with writer, activist, and Grammy-certified songwriter Ani Zonneveld, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values, an international human rights organization advocating for equality, freedom of expression, and inclusive interpretations of Islam.

Ani shares the remarkable story of a moment that changed someone’s heart at a music festival, revealing how storytelling, music, and human connection can dissolve fear and misunderstanding.

The conversation explores Ani’s global upbringing as the daughter of a Malaysian ambassador, the spiritual power of music, and how storytelling can create empathy across cultures, religions, and political divides.

Along the way, Ani reflects on how narrative shapes faith, identity, and social change, and why stories often reach people in ways arguments never can.

Ani is also the author of the memoir An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist.



*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <strong>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</strong>, Aaron sits down with writer, activist, and Grammy-certified songwriter <strong>Ani Zonneveld</strong>, founder of <strong>Muslims for Progressive Values</strong>, an international human rights organization advocating for equality, freedom of expression, and inclusive interpretations of Islam.</p>
<p>Ani shares the remarkable story of a moment that changed someone’s heart at a music festival, revealing how storytelling, music, and human connection can dissolve fear and misunderstanding.</p>
<p>The conversation explores Ani’s global upbringing as the daughter of a Malaysian ambassador, the spiritual power of music, and how storytelling can create empathy across cultures, religions, and political divides.</p>
<p>Along the way, Ani reflects on how narrative shapes faith, identity, and social change, and why stories often reach people in ways arguments never can.</p>
<p>Ani is also the author of the memoir <a href="https://livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/9781917566995"><strong>An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist</strong>.</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em>*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe</em>
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:</strong></p>
<p>*Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>*Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>794</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[bba03336-1fcd-11f1-aca8-33175c855836]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO2174593830.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Coveralls, Coffee, and What His Dad Left Behind</title>
      <description>One night, Chad Baxter heard a knock at the door and saw his mother standing in the hallway. In this listener-submitted 7 Minute Stories episode, Chad reflects on the man who raised him: early mornings riding home from the midnight shift, the smell of coffee and coveralls, lessons in the garage, and the complicated love between a father and son. A deeply personal story about memory, loss, and the quiet ways fathers live on through the lives of their children.


*Story by Chad Baxter 


👇


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/25a9c480-1da9-11f1-b22f-8f87d6a0a015/image/eb3707a4907366b70b341dc07b6b5a82.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>One night, Chad Baxter heard a knock at the door and saw his mother standing in the hallway. In this listener-submitted 7 Minute Stories episode, Chad reflects on the man who raised him: early mornings riding home from the midnight shift, the smell of coffee and coveralls, lessons in the garage, and the complicated love between a father and son. A deeply personal story about memory, loss, and the quiet ways fathers live on through the lives of their children.


*Story by Chad Baxter 


👇


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>One night, Chad Baxter heard a knock at the door and saw his mother standing in the hallway. In this listener-submitted <em>7 Minute Stories</em> episode, Chad reflects on the man who raised him: early mornings riding home from the midnight shift, the smell of coffee and coveralls, lessons in the garage, and the complicated love between a father and son. A deeply personal story about memory, loss, and the quiet ways fathers live on through the lives of their children.</p>
<p><em><strong>
*Story by Chad Baxter 
</strong></em></p>
<p>👇
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>562</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[25a9c480-1da9-11f1-b22f-8f87d6a0a015]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO1854636887.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>From Kidnapped Child to Olympic Flag Bearer | Short Stories of Hope</title>
      <description>In this month’s 7MS Presents: Stories of Hope, Aaron Calafato tells the true story of a six year old boy taken during a church gathering in a small village in southern Sudan.

Torn from his mother and thrown into the chaos of civil war, the boy would eventually escape and spend years growing up in a refugee camp far from home.

But through everything, he kept running.

Years later, that same boy would walk into the Olympic Stadium carrying the flag of the United States.

Sometimes hope is something we find.
Sometimes it is something we run toward.



*Read the story form the man himself: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-for-my-life-lopez-lomong/1110791822</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/98491058-1aa3-11f1-ae1d-cf742cb8f28e/image/b854402aa7c2ffdd3aff647973a9fda1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this month’s 7MS Presents: Stories of Hope, Aaron Calafato tells the true story of a six year old boy taken during a church gathering in a small village in southern Sudan.

Torn from his mother and thrown into the chaos of civil war, the boy would eventually escape and spend years growing up in a refugee camp far from home.

But through everything, he kept running.

Years later, that same boy would walk into the Olympic Stadium carrying the flag of the United States.

Sometimes hope is something we find.
Sometimes it is something we run toward.



*Read the story form the man himself: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-for-my-life-lopez-lomong/1110791822</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this month’s <strong>7MS Presents: Stories of Hope</strong>, Aaron Calafato tells the true story of a six year old boy taken during a church gathering in a small village in southern Sudan.</p>
<p>Torn from his mother and thrown into the chaos of civil war, the boy would eventually escape and spend years growing up in a refugee camp far from home.</p>
<p>But through everything, he kept running.</p>
<p>Years later, that same boy would walk into the Olympic Stadium carrying the flag of the United States.</p>
<p>Sometimes hope is something we find.<br>
Sometimes it is something we run toward.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Read the story form the man himself: </p>
<p>https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/running-for-my-life-lopez-lomong/1110791822</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>304</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[98491058-1aa3-11f1-ae1d-cf742cb8f28e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO9457939130.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Ritual of the Last Bar of Soap</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron has a strange ritual he’s a little embarrassed to admit.

It happens quietly at the end of every season. A small moment that most people would overlook, but one he’s come to treat with surprising care.

At first it seems odd. Maybe even a little obsessive.

But the deeper you go, the more it begins to feel familiar. Because beneath the surface is something deeply human... 

👇


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:21:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0cdc3b2e-180c-11f1-b875-572d63903b56/image/0d6bc00a3a2bcfc2e9b19e8edddf2c44.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron has a strange ritual he’s a little embarrassed to admit.

It happens quietly at the end of every season. A small moment that most people would overlook, but one he’s come to treat with surprising care.

At first it seems odd. Maybe even a little obsessive.

But the deeper you go, the more it begins to feel familiar. Because beneath the surface is something deeply human... 

👇


📬⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron has a strange ritual he’s a little embarrassed to admit.</p>
<p>It happens quietly at the end of every season. A small moment that most people would overlook, but one he’s come to treat with surprising care.</p>
<p>At first it seems odd. Maybe even a little obsessive.</p>
<p>But the deeper you go, the more it begins to feel familiar. Because beneath the surface is something deeply human... </p>
<p>👇
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>537</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0cdc3b2e-180c-11f1-b875-572d63903b56]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO5455163476.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Are Aliens Real? Obama, UFOs, and the Night We Thought We Saw One</title>
      <description>After Barack Obama recently clarified his comments about aliens, UFOs, UAPs, and Area 51, the question resurfaced: Are we alone in the universe?

In this episode replay, Aaron shares a strange midnight encounter under the stars that, for a moment, felt like a UFO. Or maybe a UAP? What he and his wife saw in the sky sparked thoughts of alien life, pop culture fascination, and the mathematics of the cosmos before revealing what it actually was.

👇


📬⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3912d694-12cb-11f1-b4f0-3f2d838a6902/image/f34882ed9bff4c53b6b3173527edf5d0.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After Barack Obama recently clarified his comments about aliens, UFOs, UAPs, and Area 51, the question resurfaced: Are we alone in the universe?

In this episode replay, Aaron shares a strange midnight encounter under the stars that, for a moment, felt like a UFO. Or maybe a UAP? What he and his wife saw in the sky sparked thoughts of alien life, pop culture fascination, and the mathematics of the cosmos before revealing what it actually was.

👇


📬⁠⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.



🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After Barack Obama recently clarified his comments about aliens, UFOs, UAPs, and Area 51, the question resurfaced: Are we alone in the universe?</p>
<p>In this episode replay, Aaron shares a strange midnight encounter under the stars that, for a moment, felt like a UFO. Or maybe a UAP? What he and his wife saw in the sky sparked thoughts of alien life, pop culture fascination, and the mathematics of the cosmos before revealing what it actually was.</p>
<p>👇
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>533</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3912d694-12cb-11f1-b4f0-3f2d838a6902]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO8442332065.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies): “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” Songwriting, Philosophy &amp; The Stories That Saved Lives | The Storytelling University</title>
      <description>Brad Roberts, lead singer and songwriter of Crash Test Dummies, sits down with Aaron for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, philosophy, and the unexpected afterlife of a hit song. From the improvisational process behind “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” to the outsider themes that shaped his lyrics, Brad shares how studying philosophy and English literature influenced the questions embedded in his music. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University explores 90s alternative rock, lyrical storytelling, and the deeply personal stories fans have carried with them for decades.

*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 06:46:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1c09b76c-0fb9-11f1-acd5-7b0e4f91f024/image/4f6b080ea47a9df34dd1469ca39e9ddb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Brad Roberts, lead singer and songwriter of Crash Test Dummies, sits down with Aaron for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, philosophy, and the unexpected afterlife of a hit song. From the improvisational process behind “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” to the outsider themes that shaped his lyrics, Brad shares how studying philosophy and English literature influenced the questions embedded in his music. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University explores 90s alternative rock, lyrical storytelling, and the deeply personal stories fans have carried with them for decades.

*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden



Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:

*Follow the pod wherever you're listening

*Tap 5 Stars

*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1YEGETLT2p8k97LIo3deHL">Brad Roberts</a>, lead singer and songwriter of <a href="https://www.crashtestdummies.com/">Crash Test Dummies</a>, sits down with Aaron for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, philosophy, and the unexpected afterlife of a hit song. From the improvisational process behind “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” to the outsider themes that shaped his lyrics, Brad shares how studying philosophy and English literature influenced the questions embedded in his music. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University explores 90s alternative rock, lyrical storytelling, and the deeply personal stories fans have carried with them for decades.</p>
<p><em>*The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe</em><br>
Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support:</strong></p>
<p>*Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>*Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>*Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>711</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1c09b76c-0fb9-11f1-acd5-7b0e4f91f024]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO7859290272.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust</title>
      <description>This week on 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on loss, legacy, and the fragile weight of being human.

From the passing of cultural icons like James Van Der Beek and Robert Duvall to the deeply personal grief of losing his uncle and cousin—both Cleveland firefighters who ran toward danger for a living—this episode explores the difference between distant loss and the kind that reshapes you.

Recorded on Ash Wednesday, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” wrestles with mortality, memory, and a question Aaron first asked at age 12: When the body stops, does everything stop? Or are we more like radios—receivers of something that continues beyond us?


👇


📬⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



*Image: 
"Fleeing a dust storm". Farmer Arthur Coble and sons walking in the face of a dust storm, Cimmaron County, Oklahoma. Arthur Rothstein, photographer, April, 1936. (Library of Congress)



*Music: 

Scotland the Brave
Roie Shpigler, Ziggy

Used under paid license via Artlist.io.



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:47:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/004aed12-0d56-11f1-a8d4-6fe0374be29a/image/55bc240314f4704ed8c7a43c1f9f4c28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week on 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on loss, legacy, and the fragile weight of being human.

From the passing of cultural icons like James Van Der Beek and Robert Duvall to the deeply personal grief of losing his uncle and cousin—both Cleveland firefighters who ran toward danger for a living—this episode explores the difference between distant loss and the kind that reshapes you.

Recorded on Ash Wednesday, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” wrestles with mortality, memory, and a question Aaron first asked at age 12: When the body stops, does everything stop? Or are we more like radios—receivers of something that continues beyond us?


👇


📬⁠⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.



📰 ⁠Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)⁠ is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



*Image: 
"Fleeing a dust storm". Farmer Arthur Coble and sons walking in the face of a dust storm, Cimmaron County, Oklahoma. Arthur Rothstein, photographer, April, 1936. (Library of Congress)



*Music: 

Scotland the Brave
Roie Shpigler, Ziggy

Used under paid license via Artlist.io.



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week on <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron reflects on loss, legacy, and the fragile weight of being human.</p>
<p>From the passing of cultural icons like James Van Der Beek and Robert Duvall to the deeply personal grief of losing his uncle and cousin—both Cleveland firefighters who ran toward danger for a living—this episode explores the difference between distant loss and the kind that reshapes you.</p>
<p>Recorded on Ash Wednesday, “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” wrestles with mortality, memory, and a question Aaron first asked at age 12: When the body stops, does everything stop? Or are we more like radios—receivers of something that continues beyond us?
</p>
<p>👇
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly">⁠<em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em>⁠</a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.
</p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*Image: </strong>
"Fleeing a dust storm". Farmer Arthur Coble and sons walking in the face of a dust storm, Cimmaron County, Oklahoma. Arthur Rothstein, photographer, April, 1936. (Library of Congress)</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*Music: </strong></p>
<p>Scotland the Brave
Roie Shpigler, Ziggy</p>
<p>Used under paid license via Artlist.io.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>439</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[004aed12-0d56-11f1-a8d4-6fe0374be29a]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO7454071654.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Floating Hospital | Short Stories of Hope</title>
      <description>In a remote community along the Amazon River, a man lives for two years in quiet, crippling pain. The nearest hospital is not down the road. It is a journey away.

Then one day, something white appears on the water.

In this episode of 7MS Presents: Short Stories of Hope, Aaron tells the true story of a floating hospital that docks where roads do not reach, and of one Brazilian farmer whose life changed the morning he stood upright again.

This is a story about dignity, skilled hands arriving by water, and the kind of hope that does not announce itself. It simply docks.



*Look more about the Pope Francis Hospital Boat HERE</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:16:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/50dacfb4-0a03-11f1-9c65-234b232984be/image/b854402aa7c2ffdd3aff647973a9fda1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In a remote community along the Amazon River, a man lives for two years in quiet, crippling pain. The nearest hospital is not down the road. It is a journey away.

Then one day, something white appears on the water.

In this episode of 7MS Presents: Short Stories of Hope, Aaron tells the true story of a floating hospital that docks where roads do not reach, and of one Brazilian farmer whose life changed the morning he stood upright again.

This is a story about dignity, skilled hands arriving by water, and the kind of hope that does not announce itself. It simply docks.



*Look more about the Pope Francis Hospital Boat HERE</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a remote community along the Amazon River, a man lives for two years in quiet, crippling pain. The nearest hospital is not down the road. It is a journey away.</p>
<p>Then one day, something white appears on the water.</p>
<p>In this episode of 7MS Presents: Short Stories of Hope, Aaron tells the true story of a floating hospital that docks where roads do not reach, and of one Brazilian farmer whose life changed the morning he stood upright again.</p>
<p>This is a story about dignity, skilled hands arriving by water, and the kind of hope that does not announce itself. It simply docks.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em>*Look more about the Pope Francis Hospital Boat </em><a href="https://uscatholic.org/articles/202407/the-pope-francis-hospital-boat-brings-medical-care-to-the-amazon/"><em>HERE </em></a><em></em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>222</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[50dacfb4-0a03-11f1-9c65-234b232984be]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO2618135363.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>An American Buffet and the Trouble with Nostalgia</title>
      <description>An American buffet leaves an impression on you. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. 

Maybe it was a Chinese Buffet with your high school friends. Maybe it was Ponderosa. Maybe it was a frozen yogurt flavor you’ve been chasing for decades.

But what happens when you go back?

In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron revisits a core memory from the 90s and begins to question something deeper: Can you trust nostalgia? Does memory tell the truth? Or does time change the taste of everything?

This is a story about abundance, aging, perspective, and the strange moment when the past doesn’t feel the way you remembered it.

And the uncomfortable question that follows...

Which version of the memory do you trust? 


👇


📬⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.




📰 Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition) is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.




🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7c5b8dac-0794-11f1-aa12-776f4c7056b7/image/27e8896894a48e3e52811660ec4fd663.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An American buffet leaves an impression on you. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. 

Maybe it was a Chinese Buffet with your high school friends. Maybe it was Ponderosa. Maybe it was a frozen yogurt flavor you’ve been chasing for decades.

But what happens when you go back?

In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron revisits a core memory from the 90s and begins to question something deeper: Can you trust nostalgia? Does memory tell the truth? Or does time change the taste of everything?

This is a story about abundance, aging, perspective, and the strange moment when the past doesn’t feel the way you remembered it.

And the uncomfortable question that follows...

Which version of the memory do you trust? 


👇


📬⁠ Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter⁠ 

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.




📰 Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition) is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.



📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.




🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as ⁠⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠!



The 7MS Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An American buffet leaves an impression on you. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. </p>
<p>Maybe it was a Chinese Buffet with your high school friends. Maybe it was Ponderosa. Maybe it was a frozen yogurt flavor you’ve been chasing for decades.</p>
<p>But what happens when you go back?</p>
<p>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron revisits a core memory from the 90s and begins to question something deeper: Can you trust nostalgia? Does memory tell the truth? Or does time change the taste of everything?</p>
<p>This is a story about abundance, aging, perspective, and the strange moment when the past doesn’t feel the way you remembered it.</p>
<p>And the uncomfortable question that follows...</p>
<p>Which version of the memory do you trust? </p>
<p>
👇
</p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠ <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong>⁠</a> </p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>📰<em> </em><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/storiesinasnapweekly"><em><strong>Stories in a Snap (Weekly Edition)</strong></em></a><strong> </strong>is the weekly written adaptation of 7 Minute Stories. A distilled short story you can read in just a few quiet minutes, delivered straight to your inbox every week.</p>
<p>

📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.
</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive"><em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong></a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays at 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠ and delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>The 7MS Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>510</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[7c5b8dac-0794-11f1-aa12-776f4c7056b7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/LAANO4988387668.mp3?updated=1770870441" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Lesson from the Gumball Philosopher </title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron tells the story of a broken gumball machine, a chance driveway encounter, and a man who chose to live by an "unusual" philosophy... 

What begins as a simple attempt to clean out the garage turns into a conversation about boxes — the ones we live in, the ones we work in, and the ones we may spend our lives trying to escape. 

It’s a short story about freedom, sacrifice, and the unexpected teachers we meet when we think we’re just throwing something away.

👇



📬 Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.


📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and now delivered as ⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠!


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a0e4694e-0160-11f1-95dd-d37a781ce702/image/98f3ac02c2f7a65aa9b17ee5dc4b9168.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron tells the story of a broken gumball machine, a chance driveway encounter, and a man who chose to live by an "unusual" philosophy... 

What begins as a simple attempt to clean out the garage turns into a conversation about boxes — the ones we live in, the ones we work in, and the ones we may spend our lives trying to escape. 

It’s a short story about freedom, sacrifice, and the unexpected teachers we meet when we think we’re just throwing something away.

👇



📬 Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter

Each month, Aaron shares a select edition of Stories in a Snap — a written short story adapted from this 7 Minute Stories podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.


📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love⁠ 7 Minute Stories Radio⁠ — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and now delivered as ⁠⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠⁠!


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <strong>7 Minute Stories</strong>, Aaron tells the story of a broken gumball machine, a chance driveway encounter, and a man who chose to live by an "unusual" philosophy... </p>
<p>What begins as a simple attempt to clean out the garage turns into a conversation about boxes — the ones we live in, the ones we work in, and the ones we may spend our lives trying to escape. </p>
<p>It’s a short story about freedom, sacrifice, and the unexpected teachers we meet when we think we’re just throwing something away.</p>
<p>👇</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter"> <strong>Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter</strong></a></p>
<p>Each month, Aaron shares a <strong>select edition of </strong><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em> — a written short story adapted from this <em>7 Minute Stories</em> podcast and thoughtfully reimagined for the page. Subscribers also receive storytelling insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive bonus content. All delivered straight to their inbox.</p>
<p>
📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio">⁠ <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong>⁠</a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.
</p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a> and now delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p>
<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a0e4694e-0160-11f1-95dd-d37a781ce702]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7069176096.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Astronaut Who Couldn’t Live Alone</title>
      <description>What happens when survival means living your entire life in total isolation? Drawing from Interstellar, Aaron Calafato steps into the mind of Dr. Mann, an astronaut marooned on a frozen planet, and examines the fear, temptation, and moral cost of wanting to be saved. A personal story about loneliness, choice, and the human need for other people.
👇


📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love 7 Minute Stories Radio — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and now delivered as ⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠!



📖 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love Stories in a Snap — a weekly series of short, written stories by Aaron, adapted directly from the podcast. Each piece begins as a story told out loud and is reshaped for the page, so you can read it in just a few minutes. 



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b3eba1cc-fcad-11f0-a16c-1b0ad953ff1f/image/3adcb240640ea73bca5c3bca1954f6a9.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What happens when survival means living your entire life in total isolation? Drawing from Interstellar, Aaron Calafato steps into the mind of Dr. Mann, an astronaut marooned on a frozen planet, and examines the fear, temptation, and moral cost of wanting to be saved. A personal story about loneliness, choice, and the human need for other people.
👇


📻 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love 7 Minute Stories Radio — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.


🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ and now delivered as ⁠⁠a podcast on-demand⁠⁠!



📖 If you like 7 Minute Stories, you’ll love Stories in a Snap — a weekly series of short, written stories by Aaron, adapted directly from the podcast. Each piece begins as a story told out loud and is reshaped for the page, so you can read it in just a few minutes. 



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What happens when survival means living your entire life in total isolation? Drawing from <em>Interstellar</em>, Aaron Calafato steps into the mind of Dr. Mann, an astronaut marooned on a frozen planet, and examines the fear, temptation, and moral cost of wanting to be saved. A personal story about loneliness, choice, and the human need for other people.
👇</p>
<p>
📻 If you like <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/radio"> <strong>7 Minute Stories Radio</strong></a> — a 24/7 stream of Aaron’s stories you can tune into anytime. Let it run in the background while you walk, work, cook, or wind down. It’s not an episode feed. It’s a digital l storytelling radio companion with an analog feel, built to keep you company.
</p>
<p>🌙  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠⁠</a> and now delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📖 If you like <strong>7 Minute Stories</strong>, you’ll love<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/stories-in-a-snap"><em> </em><em><strong>Stories in a Snap</strong></em></a> — a weekly series of short, written stories by Aaron, adapted directly from the podcast. Each piece begins as a story told out loud and is reshaped for the page, so you can read it in just a few minutes. </p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>573</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b3eba1cc-fcad-11f0-a16c-1b0ad953ff1f]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7858307821.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The GoFundMe He Never Asked For</title>
      <description>A GoFundMe is started for the actor Mickey Rourke, and the internet responds as it so often does. Reading the comments anonymously, Aaron discovers something rather unexpected, especially given the state of 2026. What unfolds isn’t really a story about a fundraiser or a public figure shaped by past and perception. It’s a meditation on people, and the quiet hope that lingers when someone is seen in need.

*Poster Art Jim Harris Designs 



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠YouTube⁠ and now delivered as ⁠a podcast on-demand⁠!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/227bedc6-ef7b-11f0-8ce3-c7fd84ec74ff/image/585b7ecec8256e65337f84a73abd24da.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A GoFundMe is started for the actor Mickey Rourke, and the internet responds as it so often does. Reading the comments anonymously, Aaron discovers something rather unexpected, especially given the state of 2026. What unfolds isn’t really a story about a fundraiser or a public figure shaped by past and perception. It’s a meditation on people, and the quiet hope that lingers when someone is seen in need.

*Poster Art Jim Harris Designs 



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠YouTube⁠ and now delivered as ⁠a podcast on-demand⁠!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A GoFundMe is started for the actor <strong>Mickey Rourke</strong>, and the internet responds as it so often does. Reading the comments anonymously, <strong>Aaron </strong>discovers something rather unexpected, especially given the state of 2026. What unfolds isn’t really a story about a fundraiser or a public figure shaped by past and perception. It’s a meditation on people, and the quiet hope that lingers when someone is seen in need.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jimharrisdesigns/"><em>*Poster Art Jim Harris Designs </em></a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠</a> and now delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>460</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[227bedc6-ef7b-11f0-8ce3-c7fd84ec74ff]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9510864296.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Restaurant With No Prices | Short Stories of Hope</title>
      <description>This is this January's bonus episode of Short Stories of Hope. In this story, Aaron shares a quiet and unexpected moment centered on a woman on the edge of hunger and a small restaurant in New Jersey that becomes an unlikely turning point. What makes the moment even more surprising is the person who helps set it in motion, someone you’d expect to see under arena lights at a rock concert, not connected to an act of everyday generosity. It is a story about dignity, timing, and the small human gestures that can restore hope when it feels nearly out of reach.



Created, Performed &amp; Produced by ⁠⁠Aaron Calafato⁠⁠
*⁠⁠Learn more about the person or place embodying this month’s Short Story of Hope⁠⁠

*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:41:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f20720a2-f240-11f0-a70d-a36c7e247364/image/b854402aa7c2ffdd3aff647973a9fda1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This is this January's bonus episode of Short Stories of Hope. In this story, Aaron shares a quiet and unexpected moment centered on a woman on the edge of hunger and a small restaurant in New Jersey that becomes an unlikely turning point. What makes the moment even more surprising is the person who helps set it in motion, someone you’d expect to see under arena lights at a rock concert, not connected to an act of everyday generosity. It is a story about dignity, timing, and the small human gestures that can restore hope when it feels nearly out of reach.



Created, Performed &amp; Produced by ⁠⁠Aaron Calafato⁠⁠
*⁠⁠Learn more about the person or place embodying this month’s Short Story of Hope⁠⁠

*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This is this January's bonus episode of <em>Short Stories of Hope</em>. In this story, Aaron shares a quiet and unexpected moment centered on a woman on the edge of hunger and a small restaurant in New Jersey that becomes an unlikely turning point. What makes the moment even more surprising is the person who helps set it in motion, someone you’d expect to see under arena lights at a rock concert, not connected to an act of everyday generosity. It is a story about dignity, timing, and the small human gestures that can restore hope when it feels nearly out of reach.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Created, Performed &amp; Produced by ⁠⁠Aaron Calafato⁠⁠<br>
<a href="https://jbjsoulkitchen.org/">*⁠⁠Learn more about the person or place embodying this month’s Short Story of Hope⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>372</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f20720a2-f240-11f0-a70d-a36c7e247364]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7263846528.mp3?updated=1768801591" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Tried to Prove My Pediatrician Wrong (and Accidentally Learned Something Else)</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron revisits the last conversation he ever had with his pediatrician, a moment that left him angry, insecure, and determined to prove someone else wrong. What follows is a teenage experiment fueled by insecurity, chocolate milkshakes, and the belief that changing the body might fix everything else. Years later, Aaron reflects on what actually changed and what didn’t. It’s a story about growth, certainty, and the quiet realization that some answers can’t be measured on a chart.



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠YouTube⁠ and now delivered as ⁠a podcast on-demand⁠!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6b6e4622-f166-11f0-968a-5f0ed634ff2b/image/668b74afc5a9c48d7326ade6595638fb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron revisits the last conversation he ever had with his pediatrician, a moment that left him angry, insecure, and determined to prove someone else wrong. What follows is a teenage experiment fueled by insecurity, chocolate milkshakes, and the belief that changing the body might fix everything else. Years later, Aaron reflects on what actually changed and what didn’t. It’s a story about growth, certainty, and the quiet realization that some answers can’t be measured on a chart.



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on ⁠YouTube⁠ and now delivered as ⁠a podcast on-demand⁠!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron revisits the last conversation he ever had with his pediatrician, a moment that left him angry, insecure, and determined to prove someone else wrong. What follows is a teenage experiment fueled by insecurity, chocolate milkshakes, and the belief that changing the body might fix everything else. Years later, Aaron reflects on what actually changed and what didn’t. It’s a story about growth, certainty, and the quiet realization that some answers can’t be measured on a chart.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<strong>YouTube</strong>⁠</a> and now delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525">⁠<strong>a podcast on-demand</strong>⁠</a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>599</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6b6e4622-f166-11f0-968a-5f0ed634ff2b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1045451873.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Christmas: The Man and the Birds | A Timeless Christmas Story</title>
      <description>Every Christmas, a short story makes its return—one without a known author, but with a lasting impact. The Man and the Birds was famously shared each holiday season by Paul Harvey on the radio, and for years, it’s become an annual tradition on 7 Minute Stories.

In this special holiday episode, Aaron revisits the quiet, timeless parable about belief, humility, and what it means to truly see one another. Recorded live during Night Stories Live!  this retelling invites listeners to slow down, listen closely, and carry a simple truth with them into Christmas.

A story passed hand to hand, voice to voice—now shared once again.




📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠⁠⁠7MS Haikus⁠⁠⁠.

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:06:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6e4d5f26-e14f-11f0-ae40-0ffa63512949/image/25dd894fb76ea01087f0416e58b42743.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Every Christmas, a short story makes its return—one without a known author, but with a lasting impact. The Man and the Birds was famously shared each holiday season by Paul Harvey on the radio, and for years, it’s become an annual tradition on 7 Minute Stories.

In this special holiday episode, Aaron revisits the quiet, timeless parable about belief, humility, and what it means to truly see one another. Recorded live during Night Stories Live!  this retelling invites listeners to slow down, listen closely, and carry a simple truth with them into Christmas.

A story passed hand to hand, voice to voice—now shared once again.




📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠⁠⁠7MS Haikus⁠⁠⁠.

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Every Christmas, a short story makes its return—one without a known author, but with a lasting impact. <em>The Man and the Birds</em> was famously shared each holiday season by Paul Harvey on the radio, and for years, it’s become an annual tradition on <em>7 Minute Stories</em>.</p>
<p>In this special holiday episode, Aaron revisits the quiet, timeless parable about belief, humility, and what it means to truly see one another. Recorded live during <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/nightstories"><em>Night Stories Live!</em></a>  this retelling invites listeners to slow down, listen closely, and carry a simple truth with them into Christmas.</p>
<p>A story passed hand to hand, voice to voice—now shared once again.


</p>
<p>📱<strong>Try not to doom scroll</strong>, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8jk8oPioAQ&amp;list=PLYWXR4rn_zpoQNTGH_MDtCJSADykYOzJj&amp;index=1">⁠⁠⁠<strong>7MS Haikus</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>.</p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>502</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6e4d5f26-e14f-11f0-ae40-0ffa63512949]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8543241566.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sports Are Human Stories: John Telich on Storytelling, Legacy &amp; Northeast Ohio | The Storytelling University </title>
      <description>In this Storytelling University bonus episode, Aaron sits down with John Telich, who spent four decades shaping how Northeast Ohio experienced sports on television. Together, they explore the quiet craft behind covering wins, losses, heartbreak, and hope—and why sports stories, at their best, are rarely just about the score.


*Special thanks to the Medina UCC for hosting!

*Learn more about the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame

*Follow John Telich on X 



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden 


Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/109dcaca-ddc9-11f0-83ef-a30872b70428/image/82ace4ac6e4af7a8960403925e644250.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this Storytelling University bonus episode, Aaron sits down with John Telich, who spent four decades shaping how Northeast Ohio experienced sports on television. Together, they explore the quiet craft behind covering wins, losses, heartbreak, and hope—and why sports stories, at their best, are rarely just about the score.


*Special thanks to the Medina UCC for hosting!

*Learn more about the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame

*Follow John Telich on X 



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden 


Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this <strong>Storytelling University</strong> bonus episode, Aaron sits down with <strong>John Telich</strong>, who spent four decades shaping how Northeast Ohio experienced sports on television. Together, they explore the quiet craft behind covering wins, losses, heartbreak, and hope—and why sports stories, at their best, are rarely just about the score.
</p>
<p>*Special thanks to the<a href="https://www.uccmedina.org/"> Medina UCC</a> for hosting!</p>
<p>*Learn more about the <a href="https://www.clevelandsportshall.com/"><u>Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame</u></a></p>
<p>*Follow <a href="https://x.com/JohnTelich8">John Telich on X </a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em><strong>The Storytelling University</strong></em><em> is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe </em></p>
<p><em>Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden </em></p>
<p>
Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: </p>
<p>1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>2. Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1722</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[109dcaca-ddc9-11f0-83ef-a30872b70428]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1605897622.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Polar Express, Belief, and Why Santa Is Real</title>
      <description>As the year comes to a close, Aaron returns to a childhood memory sparked by The Polar Express—a quiet library, falling snow, and a sound he still can’t explain. What begins as a story about believing in Santa becomes something larger: a reflection on why belief itself is real, necessary, and enduring. Through a timeless response to an 8-year-old’s question published in The New York Sun, this episode explores why the most important things in life may exist beyond what we can see.

Credits &amp; Citations

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”
Written by Francis P. Church
Published in The New York Sun, September 21, 1897
Originally written in response to a letter from Virginia O’Hanlon

Music
“Elevare” by Daniel CataláUsed with a paid license via Artlist.io



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on YouTube and now delivered as a podcast on-demand!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/15823be6-dbc3-11f0-9316-47974aaf15dd/image/8591542adfc7b1a960d0527bae7f3abe.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As the year comes to a close, Aaron returns to a childhood memory sparked by The Polar Express—a quiet library, falling snow, and a sound he still can’t explain. What begins as a story about believing in Santa becomes something larger: a reflection on why belief itself is real, necessary, and enduring. Through a timeless response to an 8-year-old’s question published in The New York Sun, this episode explores why the most important things in life may exist beyond what we can see.

Credits &amp; Citations

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”
Written by Francis P. Church
Published in The New York Sun, September 21, 1897
Originally written in response to a letter from Virginia O’Hanlon

Music
“Elevare” by Daniel CataláUsed with a paid license via Artlist.io



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on YouTube and now delivered as a podcast on-demand!



📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the year comes to a close, Aaron returns to a childhood memory sparked by <em>The Polar Express</em>—a quiet library, falling snow, and a sound he still can’t explain. What begins as a story about believing in Santa becomes something larger: a reflection on why belief itself is real, necessary, and enduring. Through a timeless response to an 8-year-old’s question published in <em>The New York Sun</em>, this episode explores why the most important things in life may exist beyond what we can see.

Credits &amp; Citations</p>
<p><strong>“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”</strong>
Written by Francis P. Church
Published in <em>The New York Sun</em>, September 21, 1897
Originally written in response to a letter from Virginia O’Hanlon</p>
<p><strong>Music</strong>
“Elevare” by Daniel Catalá<br>Used with a paid license via Artlist.io</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night radio show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed live Thursdays @ 9:30PM EST on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive"><strong>YouTube</strong></a> and now delivered as<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-stories-live/id1867977525"><strong>a podcast on-demand</strong></a>!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>436</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[15823be6-dbc3-11f0-9316-47974aaf15dd]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7054771526.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Glowworm That Saved Christmas</title>
      <description>It’s Christmas Eve, 1987, and a 4-year-old Aaron suddenly realizes he has nothing to give. No money, no store to run to, and a desperate need to feel part of the Christmas magic. What follows involves a Glow Worm toy, a stash of odd “treasures,” and two parents who choose wonder over reality. This is the story of how a child’s small act of giving kept the magic alive and saved Christmas in the most unexpected way.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/eb42fa24-d62b-11f0-97d3-c3b71092696e/image/7dee99bf8502a333391abb7466d9424c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It’s Christmas Eve, 1987, and a 4-year-old Aaron suddenly realizes he has nothing to give. No money, no store to run to, and a desperate need to feel part of the Christmas magic. What follows involves a Glow Worm toy, a stash of odd “treasures,” and two parents who choose wonder over reality. This is the story of how a child’s small act of giving kept the magic alive and saved Christmas in the most unexpected way.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s Christmas Eve, 1987, and a 4-year-old Aaron suddenly realizes he has nothing to give. No money, no store to run to, and a desperate need to feel part of the Christmas magic. What follows involves a Glow Worm toy, a stash of odd “treasures,” and two parents who choose wonder over reality. This is the story of how a child’s small act of giving kept the magic alive and saved Christmas in the most unexpected way.

</p>
<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>567</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[eb42fa24-d62b-11f0-97d3-c3b71092696e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4832407087.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Wind Phone Story: A Reflection on Loss, Healing, and the Voices We Carry | Short Stories of Hope</title>
      <description>This is December’s bonus episode of Short Stories of Hope. In this month’s story, Aaron shares the quiet and powerful tale of the Wind Phone in Ochi, Japan, and the man who placed a silent rotary phone on a hillside for anyone carrying words they never had the chance to say. It is a story about grief, healing, and the small human acts that help us keep moving toward hope.


Created, Performed &amp; Produced by ⁠Aaron Calafato⁠ 

*⁠Learn more about the person or place embodying this month's Short Story of Hope⁠


*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/89110d14-d2c5-11f0-832a-4b3594489ec9/image/2f99a3879cac7ad69772f0e5755878a1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This is December’s bonus episode of Short Stories of Hope. In this month’s story, Aaron shares the quiet and powerful tale of the Wind Phone in Ochi, Japan, and the man who placed a silent rotary phone on a hillside for anyone carrying words they never had the chance to say. It is a story about grief, healing, and the small human acts that help us keep moving toward hope.


Created, Performed &amp; Produced by ⁠Aaron Calafato⁠ 

*⁠Learn more about the person or place embodying this month's Short Story of Hope⁠


*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This is December’s bonus episode of<em> Short Stories of Hope</em>. In this month’s story, Aaron shares the quiet and powerful tale of the Wind Phone in Ochi, Japan, and the man who placed a silent rotary phone on a hillside for anyone carrying words they never had the chance to say. It is a story about grief, healing, and the small human acts that help us keep moving toward hope.
</p>
<p>Created, Performed &amp; Produced by <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">⁠<strong>Aaron Calafato</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong></p>
<p><em><strong>*</strong></em>⁠<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_phone"><em><strong>Learn more about the person or place embodying this month's Short Story of Hope</strong></em></a>⁠</p>
<p><em>
*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>298</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[89110d14-d2c5-11f0-832a-4b3594489ec9]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5516581325.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Real Story Behind “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”</title>
      <description>In this special holiday episode, Aaron breaks down the surprising origin of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a song that was almost far too bleak for the movie it was written for. He explores how Judy Garland rejected the original lyrics, why Hugh Martin rewrote them, and how the shift turned the tune into one of the most emotional Christmas standards of all time. Aaron also compares the Garland and Sinatra versions, highlighting the lyric changes that shaped each performance. This short deep dive blends music history and storytelling to remind listeners what the holidays mean when life is heavy, hopeful, and real.



*Here's your lyric guide! 



📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠7MS Haikus⁠.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Songwriters: Irving Berlin / Jule Styne / Sammy Cahn / Ralph Blane / Hugh Martin / Richard B. Smith / Felix Bernard

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas lyrics © Berlin Irving Music Corp., Emi Feist Catalog Inc.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/65c803c6-d063-11f0-a2b4-1f3832b14ac1/image/43b736fb1c44478ea2727b77fada1d37.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this special holiday episode, Aaron breaks down the surprising origin of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a song that was almost far too bleak for the movie it was written for. He explores how Judy Garland rejected the original lyrics, why Hugh Martin rewrote them, and how the shift turned the tune into one of the most emotional Christmas standards of all time. Aaron also compares the Garland and Sinatra versions, highlighting the lyric changes that shaped each performance. This short deep dive blends music history and storytelling to remind listeners what the holidays mean when life is heavy, hopeful, and real.



*Here's your lyric guide! 



📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠7MS Haikus⁠.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Songwriters: Irving Berlin / Jule Styne / Sammy Cahn / Ralph Blane / Hugh Martin / Richard B. Smith / Felix Bernard

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas lyrics © Berlin Irving Music Corp., Emi Feist Catalog Inc.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this special holiday episode, Aaron breaks down the surprising origin of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a song that was almost far too bleak for the movie it was written for. He explores how Judy Garland rejected the original lyrics, why Hugh Martin rewrote them, and how the shift turned the tune into one of the most emotional Christmas standards of all time. Aaron also compares the Garland and Sinatra versions, highlighting the lyric changes that shaped each performance. This short deep dive blends music history and storytelling to remind listeners what the holidays mean when life is heavy, hopeful, and real.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/lyricguide"><strong>*Here's your lyric guide! </strong></a><strong></strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📱<strong>Try not to doom scroll</strong>, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8jk8oPioAQ&amp;list=PLYWXR4rn_zpoQNTGH_MDtCJSADykYOzJj&amp;index=1">⁠<strong>7MS Haikus</strong>⁠</a>.</p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on <strong>YouTube</strong>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Songwriters: Irving Berlin / Jule Styne / Sammy Cahn / Ralph Blane / Hugh Martin / Richard B. Smith / Felix Bernard</p>
<p>Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas lyrics © Berlin Irving Music Corp., Emi Feist Catalog Inc.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>405</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[65c803c6-d063-11f0-a2b4-1f3832b14ac1]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7207496025.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Love Letter to My Neanderthal Family</title>
      <description>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron (inspired by the NOVA Humans docuseries from PBS) discovers an unexpected kinship with his Neanderthal ancestors — not as cartoon cavemen, but as real people whose lives shaped our own. Through humor, identity, and deep-time storytelling, he explores what survives, what disappears, and why a tiny percentage of ancient DNA still carries meaning today. A funny and surprisingly emotional journey into who we are, who we come from and 'who' is still a part of us! 


📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠7MS Haikus⁠.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e4d0a82e-ca43-11f0-ae87-bf7859fb625b/image/fbd28d7b9247912bfb5e8e18bb90dd99.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron (inspired by the NOVA Humans docuseries from PBS) discovers an unexpected kinship with his Neanderthal ancestors — not as cartoon cavemen, but as real people whose lives shaped our own. Through humor, identity, and deep-time storytelling, he explores what survives, what disappears, and why a tiny percentage of ancient DNA still carries meaning today. A funny and surprisingly emotional journey into who we are, who we come from and 'who' is still a part of us! 


📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called ⁠7MS Haikus⁠.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron (inspired by the NOVA <em>Humans</em> docuseries from PBS) discovers an unexpected kinship with his Neanderthal ancestors — not as cartoon cavemen, but as real people whose lives shaped our own. Through humor, identity, and deep-time storytelling, he explores what survives, what disappears, and why a tiny percentage of ancient DNA still carries meaning today. A funny and surprisingly emotional journey into who we are, who we come from and 'who' is still a part of us! 
</p>
<p>📱<strong>Try not to doom scroll</strong>, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8jk8oPioAQ&amp;list=PLYWXR4rn_zpoQNTGH_MDtCJSADykYOzJj&amp;index=1">⁠<strong>7MS Haikus</strong>⁠</a>.</p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on <strong>YouTube</strong>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>534</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e4d0a82e-ca43-11f0-ae87-bf7859fb625b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4240418134.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The GI Joe Incident: Why I Thought I Ran Away… and the Truth I Didn’t See</title>
      <description>Aaron tells the story of the day he tried—truly tried—to run away at age five, fueled by righteous anger over a forbidden episode of GI Joe and a backpack full of peanut-butter crackers. What begins as a funny childhood rebellion slowly reveals a deeper truth about grief, confusion, and a kid trying to make sense of a family unraveling. This is a story about the moment you realize running away isn’t the answer—and why coming home matters more than you knew.

📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called 7MS Haikus.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b2c98526-c5ac-11f0-8c07-73d1d6602d15/image/4649ee2770c9f7030690196dcaf2a2b4.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron tells the story of the day he tried—truly tried—to run away at age five, fueled by righteous anger over a forbidden episode of GI Joe and a backpack full of peanut-butter crackers. What begins as a funny childhood rebellion slowly reveals a deeper truth about grief, confusion, and a kid trying to make sense of a family unraveling. This is a story about the moment you realize running away isn’t the answer—and why coming home matters more than you knew.

📱Try not to doom scroll, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called 7MS Haikus.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on YouTube. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron tells the story of the day he tried—truly tried—to run away at age five, fueled by righteous anger over a forbidden episode of <em>GI Joe</em> and a backpack full of peanut-butter crackers. What begins as a funny childhood rebellion slowly reveals a deeper truth about grief, confusion, and a kid trying to make sense of a family unraveling. This is a story about the moment you realize running away isn’t the answer—and why coming home matters more than you knew.

📱<strong>Try not to doom scroll</strong>, but if you do, at least scroll through Aaron’s micro shorts called<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8jk8oPioAQ&amp;list=PLYWXR4rn_zpoQNTGH_MDtCJSADykYOzJj&amp;index=1"><strong>7MS Haikus</strong></a>.</p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed Thursday at 9:30PM EST on <strong>YouTube</strong>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>536</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b2c98526-c5ac-11f0-8c07-73d1d6602d15]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4292417075.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Aging Is Not One Story: Brett Anderson on Reinvention, Longevity &amp; Growing Older | The Storytelling University</title>
      <description>Brett Anderson, formerly the lead singer of the groundbreaking band The Donnas, sits down with Aaron for a deeply personal conversation about aging, identity, and the power of reinvention. Now following a new path in the world of Gerontology, Brett shares how her journey through music, personal grief, palliative care, and end-of-life work reshaped her understanding of longevity and mental health. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University episode explores the branching paths of a human life and why no single narrative can ever define what it means to grow older.



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden 


Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4b94d1ee-c039-11f0-8cf7-efe415ab891e/image/2ffbd1bd46bea8a04940e13ef9e4d790.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Brett Anderson, formerly the lead singer of the groundbreaking band The Donnas, sits down with Aaron for a deeply personal conversation about aging, identity, and the power of reinvention. Now following a new path in the world of Gerontology, Brett shares how her journey through music, personal grief, palliative care, and end-of-life work reshaped her understanding of longevity and mental health. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University episode explores the branching paths of a human life and why no single narrative can ever define what it means to grow older.



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden 


Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettelizabeth/">Brett Anderson</a>, formerly the lead singer of the groundbreaking band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Donnas">The Donnas</a>, sits down with Aaron for a deeply personal conversation about aging, identity, and the power of reinvention. Now following a new path in the world of Gerontology, Brett shares how her journey through music, personal grief, palliative care, and end-of-life work reshaped her understanding of longevity and mental health. This bonus episode of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University episode explores the branching paths of a human life and why no single narrative can ever define what it means to grow older.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em><strong>The Storytelling University</strong></em><em> is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe </em></p>
<p><em>Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden </em></p>
<p>
Love 7MS &amp; TSU? Here's how to support: </p>
<p>1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>2. Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2116</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4b94d1ee-c039-11f0-8cf7-efe415ab891e]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4161961161.mp3?updated=1763275871" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In Defense of Hallmark Movies: A Closing Argument for Small-Town Magic</title>
      <description>This week, 7 Minute Stories transforms into a courtroom drama—well, sort of. In this courtroom-style story, Aaron Calafato takes on the role of defense attorney, arguing not against cynicism but for hope. As the prosecution condemns Hallmark movies as “brain rot,” Aaron makes a case for why these small-town stories, full of clichés and Christmas lights, might be exactly what our overstimulated culture needs. A clever, heartfelt reflection on repetition, ritual, and why the simplest stories can still teach us the most about being human.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/13917250-c03b-11f0-bac7-cbb9cfc51896/image/0131a48302d8930f9015b8c3d535ffc2.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, 7 Minute Stories transforms into a courtroom drama—well, sort of. In this courtroom-style story, Aaron Calafato takes on the role of defense attorney, arguing not against cynicism but for hope. As the prosecution condemns Hallmark movies as “brain rot,” Aaron makes a case for why these small-town stories, full of clichés and Christmas lights, might be exactly what our overstimulated culture needs. A clever, heartfelt reflection on repetition, ritual, and why the simplest stories can still teach us the most about being human.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ ⁠Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, <em>7 Minute Stories</em> transforms into a courtroom drama—well, sort of. In this courtroom-style story, Aaron Calafato takes on the role of defense attorney, arguing not against cynicism but for hope. As the prosecution condemns Hallmark movies as “brain rot,” Aaron makes a case for why these small-town stories, full of clichés and Christmas lights, might be exactly what our overstimulated culture needs. A clever, heartfelt reflection on repetition, ritual, and why the simplest stories can still teach us the most about being human.
</p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/">⁠<strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong>⁠</a><strong></strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>551</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[13917250-c03b-11f0-bac7-cbb9cfc51896]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9040965635.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Super Kmart, Meijer, and a Flock of Seagulls: What Never Fades</title>
      <description>The first-ever Super Kmart in America once stood in Aaron’s hometown of Medina, Ohio—a place where he grew up under blue light specials and late-night wanderings with friends. Years after the store shut down, seagulls claimed the empty parking lot, and his daughter renamed it the “Seagull Zoo.” Now that the building has been torn down and replaced by Meijer, Aaron is left wondering—stores may change, but do the memories, and the moments we share in them, ever really fade?



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7592fad4-ba71-11f0-b35e-dbdc52c26651/image/9705961ae66f352561e34f12ec68f089.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The first-ever Super Kmart in America once stood in Aaron’s hometown of Medina, Ohio—a place where he grew up under blue light specials and late-night wanderings with friends. Years after the store shut down, seagulls claimed the empty parking lot, and his daughter renamed it the “Seagull Zoo.” Now that the building has been torn down and replaced by Meijer, Aaron is left wondering—stores may change, but do the memories, and the moments we share in them, ever really fade?



📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The first-ever Super Kmart in America once stood in Aaron’s hometown of Medina, Ohio—a place where he grew up under blue light specials and late-night wanderings with friends. Years after the store shut down, seagulls claimed the empty parking lot, and his daughter renamed it the “Seagull Zoo.” Now that the building has been torn down and replaced by Meijer, Aaron is left wondering—stores may change, but do the memories, and the moments we share in them, ever really fade?</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠<strong> </strong><a href="https://storysoundsmedia.com/"><strong>Isaac Gehring &amp; Story Sounds Media LLC  ⁠⁠</strong></a><strong></strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>558</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[7592fad4-ba71-11f0-b35e-dbdc52c26651]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6629325112.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>He Was Told He’d Never Walk Again — So He Ran | Short Stories of Hope</title>
      <description>In this debut Short Stories of Hope bonus episode, Aaron shares the true story of a young boy who was told he’d never walk again. What follows is a moving journey of determination, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit. By the end, you’ll discover who this person was—and how one child’s courage turned shattered records all the way to the Olympics.


Created &amp; Performed by Aaron Calafato 

Edited by Rob Montague 



*Learn more about the person embodying this month's Short Story of Hope


*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4e405ac2-b467-11f0-8614-efe18539dcbf/image/93890e80fa59f87f42017f5d2d1360c0.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this debut Short Stories of Hope bonus episode, Aaron shares the true story of a young boy who was told he’d never walk again. What follows is a moving journey of determination, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit. By the end, you’ll discover who this person was—and how one child’s courage turned shattered records all the way to the Olympics.


Created &amp; Performed by Aaron Calafato 

Edited by Rob Montague 



*Learn more about the person embodying this month's Short Story of Hope


*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this debut <em>Short Stories of Hope</em> bonus episode, Aaron shares the true story of a young boy who was told he’d never walk again. What follows is a moving journey of determination, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit. By the end, you’ll discover who this person was—and how one child’s courage turned shattered records all the way to the Olympics.
</p>
<p>Created &amp; Performed by <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/"><strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></a><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Edited by<strong> </strong><a href="https://latemorningfilms.com/"><strong>Rob Montague </strong></a><strong></strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em><strong>*</strong></em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Cunningham_(runner)"><em><strong>Learn more about the person embodying this month's Short Story of Hope</strong></em></a><em><strong></strong></em></p>
<p><em>
*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>332</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4e405ac2-b467-11f0-8614-efe18539dcbf]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6175261736.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Night I Got Lost in the Woods | A Halloween Story</title>
      <description>In this Halloween episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a true story about getting lost deep in the woods with no phone, no compass, and a rising sense of panic. What begins as a peaceful evening walk turns into a confrontation with fear itself—and a rediscovery of the real meaning behind Halloween. By the end, you’ll see how an ancient story about courage and transformation helped him find his way back home.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ Isaac Gehring ⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/348d5092-b482-11f0-ba2f-3778571c4a07/image/c6f7c5806fc3fe3760036bda47e29e74.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this Halloween episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a true story about getting lost deep in the woods with no phone, no compass, and a rising sense of panic. What begins as a peaceful evening walk turns into a confrontation with fear itself—and a rediscovery of the real meaning behind Halloween. By the end, you’ll see how an ancient story about courage and transformation helped him find his way back home.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠⁠ Isaac Gehring ⁠⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this Halloween episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron shares a true story about getting lost deep in the woods with no phone, no compass, and a rising sense of panic. What begins as a peaceful evening walk turns into a confrontation with fear itself—and a rediscovery of the real meaning behind Halloween. By the end, you’ll see how an ancient story about courage and transformation helped him find his way back home.
</p>
<p>📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-sounds-media-llc/about/">⁠⁠ <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </p>
<p>


</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>584</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[348d5092-b482-11f0-ba2f-3778571c4a07]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4870272602.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Migraine from Heaven</title>
      <description>In this week's 7 Minute Story, Aaron’s night starts simple, dinner with the family and a quick trip for Advil before his son’s band concert. But what unfolds is a comedy of errors that turns a small headache into a full-blown odyssey. By the end, the story takes a turn that proves even the most frustrating nights can carry an unexpected lesson.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠ Isaac Gehring ⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/821d3a70-afc3-11f0-8fbf-eb0ed488ab6c/image/5b85eb77a6e5b4a6f6d433e884520f7c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this week's 7 Minute Story, Aaron’s night starts simple, dinner with the family and a quick trip for Advil before his son’s band concert. But what unfolds is a comedy of errors that turns a small headache into a full-blown odyssey. By the end, the story takes a turn that proves even the most frustrating nights can carry an unexpected lesson.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design:⁠ Isaac Gehring ⁠



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's 7 Minute Story, Aaron’s night starts simple, dinner with the family and a quick trip for Advil before his son’s band concert. But what unfolds is a comedy of errors that turns a small headache into a full-blown odyssey. By the end, the story takes a turn that proves even the most frustrating nights can carry an unexpected lesson.

📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-sounds-media-llc/about/">⁠ <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong>⁠</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>654</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[821d3a70-afc3-11f0-8fbf-eb0ed488ab6c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2223335311.mp3?updated=1761192564" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Deer Keeper: Tale of a Roadside Saint</title>
      <description>When Aaron received a text that said, “I think it’s dead—and it’s in your backyard,” he didn’t expect it to lead to one of the most unexpectedly moving encounters of his life.

What began as a grim discovery turned into a quiet reflection on empathy, loss, and the humanity that can show up in the most unlikely places. In this 7-minute true story, Aaron meets a man whose job is to remove what’s been left behind—but whose heart reveals something much deeper.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f39d21b2-aa26-11f0-a8fa-2b1585e7deda/image/e5227697718ac6bebca4cdaab8c149a7.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When Aaron received a text that said, “I think it’s dead—and it’s in your backyard,” he didn’t expect it to lead to one of the most unexpectedly moving encounters of his life.

What began as a grim discovery turned into a quiet reflection on empathy, loss, and the humanity that can show up in the most unlikely places. In this 7-minute true story, Aaron meets a man whose job is to remove what’s been left behind—but whose heart reveals something much deeper.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife



*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When Aaron received a text that said, <em>“I think it’s dead—and it’s in your backyard,”</em> he didn’t expect it to lead to one of the most unexpectedly moving encounters of his life.</p>
<p>What began as a grim discovery turned into a quiet reflection on empathy, loss, and the humanity that can show up in the most unlikely places. In this 7-minute true story, Aaron meets a man whose job is to remove what’s been left behind—but whose heart reveals something much deeper.</p>
<p>
📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-sounds-media-llc/about/"> <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Additional sounds on cleared list and used with paid license via artlist.io </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>558</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f39d21b2-aa26-11f0-a8fa-2b1585e7deda]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8378760177.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Case for AI Fast-Food Drive-Thrus</title>
      <description>In 1993, five bucks at a drive-thru could feed a family. Today, it barely covers a soda. In this story, Aaron Calafato takes us through the chaos of the modern fast-food experience—wrong orders, long waits, and the creeping perfection of AI drive-thrus. What starts as a rant about overpriced combo meals becomes something deeper: a meditation on imperfection, nostalgia, and what we lose when machines get everything right.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c916c0e2-a4bd-11f0-8e9e-f7697bfbe881/image/b0bdb95fd5022e59c73f04cb828a2804.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 1993, five bucks at a drive-thru could feed a family. Today, it barely covers a soda. In this story, Aaron Calafato takes us through the chaos of the modern fast-food experience—wrong orders, long waits, and the creeping perfection of AI drive-thrus. What starts as a rant about overpriced combo meals becomes something deeper: a meditation on imperfection, nostalgia, and what we lose when machines get everything right.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 1993, five bucks at a drive-thru could feed a family. Today, it barely covers a soda. In this story, Aaron Calafato takes us through the chaos of the modern fast-food experience—wrong orders, long waits, and the creeping perfection of AI drive-thrus. What starts as a rant about overpriced combo meals becomes something deeper: a meditation on imperfection, nostalgia, and what we lose when machines get everything right.</p>
<p>
📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>575</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c916c0e2-a4bd-11f0-8e9e-f7697bfbe881]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6626190902.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Memories from Grandpa’s House</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron takes listeners back to one unforgettable day at his Grandpa Joe’s house. From a roadside McMuffin breakfast and legendary Air Force fight story, to stacks of bargain-bin movies, tuna sandwiches on rye, and homemade pasta and meatballs—every detail becomes a core memory worth holding onto. Through his grandfather’s wisdom and humor, Aaron reminds us that even in life’s hardest moments, there are anchors—memories that keep us steady and remind us of who we are.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/74f8a4ee-9ee6-11f0-980d-bbd572584c81/image/2cce7cc8cbf6b5f8d29a44e29711d580.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron takes listeners back to one unforgettable day at his Grandpa Joe’s house. From a roadside McMuffin breakfast and legendary Air Force fight story, to stacks of bargain-bin movies, tuna sandwiches on rye, and homemade pasta and meatballs—every detail becomes a core memory worth holding onto. Through his grandfather’s wisdom and humor, Aaron reminds us that even in life’s hardest moments, there are anchors—memories that keep us steady and remind us of who we are.

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron takes listeners back to one unforgettable day at his Grandpa Joe’s house. From a roadside McMuffin breakfast and legendary Air Force fight story, to stacks of bargain-bin movies, tuna sandwiches on rye, and homemade pasta and meatballs—every detail becomes a core memory worth holding onto. Through his grandfather’s wisdom and humor, Aaron reminds us that even in life’s hardest moments, there are anchors—memories that keep us steady and remind us of who we are.

📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.

<u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>543</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[74f8a4ee-9ee6-11f0-980d-bbd572584c81]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6331608951.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Fortune Teller at Bob Evans</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7MS, Storyteller Aaron Calafato shares an encounter with a "fortune teller" at a Bob Evans that reshaped how he saw his future. At 18, he dismissed her vision that he’d trade rock-and-roll dreams for a life centered on home and family. Years later, over breakfast at the same restaurant, Aaron faces the question: did her vision come true?

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow Night Stories LIVE! — Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter! It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:37:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>6</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8908ee0e-99c7-11f0-853a-fb5c3d4cc3af/image/ff482760fd1aaa18a23d67084042a612.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7MS, Storyteller Aaron Calafato shares an encounter with a "fortune teller" at a Bob Evans that reshaped how he saw his future. At 18, he dismissed her vision that he’d trade rock-and-roll dreams for a life centered on home and family. Years later, over breakfast at the same restaurant, Aaron faces the question: did her vision come true?

📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow Night Stories LIVE! — Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the 7 Minute Stories Newsletter! It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 7MS, Storyteller Aaron Calafato shares an encounter with a "fortune teller" at a Bob Evans that reshaped how he saw his future. At 18, he dismissed her vision that he’d trade rock-and-roll dreams for a life centered on home and family. Years later, over breakfast at the same restaurant, Aaron faces the question: did her vision come true?

📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive"><em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong></a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter"><strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong></a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8908ee0e-99c7-11f0-853a-fb5c3d4cc3af]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1795601080.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Barbershop Echo | Season 6 Premiere</title>
      <description>Season 6 of 7 Minute Stories opens in an empty Medina, Ohio barbershop where Saturday morning memories still linger in the air. Aaron Calafato reflects on childhood haircuts, family rituals, and the fear of familiar places fading away. But if we tell stories about these places, we may give them a chance to endure—and when those fears are confronted and embraced, we give ourselves a chance to create new space for new visions and futures.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:17:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/75adebec-9441-11f0-be5a-07c37b233537/image/cb9b7bf5023bcd2f39d4b03d3212a8f6.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Season 6 of 7 Minute Stories opens in an empty Medina, Ohio barbershop where Saturday morning memories still linger in the air. Aaron Calafato reflects on childhood haircuts, family rituals, and the fear of familiar places fading away. But if we tell stories about these places, we may give them a chance to endure—and when those fears are confronted and embraced, we give ourselves a chance to create new space for new visions and futures.


📻  If you like 7MS, make sure you follow ⁠Night Stories LIVE! ⁠— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its⁠⁠ new YouTube Channel⁠⁠, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every Thursday at 9:30PM EST and roll deep into the night.

📬 Join the⁠ 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!⁠ It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.


The Team:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Season 6 of <em>7 Minute Stories</em> opens in an empty Medina, Ohio barbershop where Saturday morning memories still linger in the air. Aaron Calafato reflects on childhood haircuts, family rituals, and the fear of familiar places fading away. But if we tell stories about these places, we may give them a chance to endure—and when those fears are confronted and embraced, we give ourselves a chance to create new space for new visions and futures.</p>
<p>
📻 <strong> If you like 7MS</strong>, make sure you follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠<em><strong>Night Stories LIVE!</strong></em><strong> </strong>⁠</a>— Aaron’s late-night storytelling show where he shares new stories and talks with special guests in real time. Streamed on its<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠ <strong>new YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>, these nostalgic, radio-style sessions go live every <strong>Thursday at 9:30PM EST</strong> and roll deep into the night.

📬 <strong>Join the</strong><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠<strong> 7 Minute Stories Newsletter!</strong>⁠</a><strong> </strong>It only goes out 4–6 times a year — short, sweet, and packed with value. Get exclusive bonus content, behind-the-scenes stories, and invites to special remote events, delivered straight to your inbox.
</p>
<p><u><strong>The Team:</strong></u></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>551</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[75adebec-9441-11f0-be5a-07c37b233537]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6066501090.mp3?updated=1758168761" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evan Bartels: Songs, Stories, and the Art of Noticing</title>
      <description>In this Storytelling University conversation, Aaron sits down with songwriter Evan Bartels to explore the craft of turning life into song. From the haunting first lines of Montana to the overlooked “side characters” of history, Bartels reveals how noticing small details can unlock entire worlds of meaning. Together, they dig into the tension between art and craft, the dignity of ordinary lives, and why the most powerful stories often come from what’s left unsaid.

*Stream Evan's New EP To Make You Cry



🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on his ⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠—these late-night sessions go live every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST and going into the late night hours... 

And as a 7 Minute Stories listener, you get first dibs: ⁠⁠skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! ⁠⁠It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/29542316-8da6-11f0-87ca-f362fe6596d1/image/3de05795a5184c45aa5956f7867e3723.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this Storytelling University conversation, Aaron sits down with songwriter Evan Bartels to explore the craft of turning life into song. From the haunting first lines of Montana to the overlooked “side characters” of history, Bartels reveals how noticing small details can unlock entire worlds of meaning. Together, they dig into the tension between art and craft, the dignity of ordinary lives, and why the most powerful stories often come from what’s left unsaid.

*Stream Evan's New EP To Make You Cry



🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on his ⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠—these late-night sessions go live every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST and going into the late night hours... 

And as a 7 Minute Stories listener, you get first dibs: ⁠⁠skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! ⁠⁠It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this <em>Storytelling University</em> conversation, Aaron sits down with songwriter Evan Bartels to explore the craft of turning life into song. From the haunting first lines of <em>Montana</em> to the overlooked “side characters” of history, Bartels reveals how noticing small details can unlock entire worlds of meaning. Together, they dig into the tension between art and craft, the dignity of ordinary lives, and why the most powerful stories often come from what’s left unsaid.

*<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4eJymS7r2aJQ60qCbWE5yo">Stream Evan's New EP To Make You Cry</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on his <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/nightstories">⁠⁠<strong>YouTube Channel</strong>⁠⁠</a>—these late-night sessions go live <strong>every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST</strong> and going into the late night hours... </p>
<p>And as a 7 Minute Stories listener,<strong> you get first dibs:</strong> <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">⁠⁠skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! ⁠⁠</a>It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:</strong></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2194</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[29542316-8da6-11f0-87ca-f362fe6596d1]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2057919281.mp3?updated=1757718561" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Summer I Tried to Keep Everyone</title>
      <description>Aaron remembers the summer he spent in Washington, D.C.—a time of new independence, fast friendships, and an address book filled with names he swore he’d never lose. But as life moved forward, most of those connections faded, leaving behind a bittersweet lesson about memory and the limits of time. Plus, Aaron previews the Season 6 premiere of 7 Minute Stories, launching September 18.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on its new YouTube Channel—these late-night sessions go live every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST and going into the late night hours... 

And as a 7 Minute Stories listener, you get first dibs: skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: Pete Whitehead 

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 


Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fa6e9db6-8ead-11f0-b7b7-2f17c2d1f03c/image/044fe008295f3f3c08cf38d35bd223a3.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron remembers the summer he spent in Washington, D.C.—a time of new independence, fast friendships, and an address book filled with names he swore he’d never lose. But as life moved forward, most of those connections faded, leaving behind a bittersweet lesson about memory and the limits of time. Plus, Aaron previews the Season 6 premiere of 7 Minute Stories, launching September 18.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on its new YouTube Channel—these late-night sessions go live every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST and going into the late night hours... 

And as a 7 Minute Stories listener, you get first dibs: skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: Pete Whitehead 

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 


Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron remembers the summer he spent in Washington, D.C.—a time of new independence, fast friendships, and an address book filled with names he swore he’d never lose. But as life moved forward, most of those connections faded, leaving behind a bittersweet lesson about memory and the limits of time. Plus, Aaron previews the Season 6 premiere of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, launching September 18.
</p>
<p>🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on its new<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive"><strong>YouTube Channel</strong></a>—these late-night sessions go live <strong>every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST</strong> and going into the late night hours... </p>
<p>And as a 7 Minute Stories listener,<strong> you get first dibs:</strong> <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! </a>It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:</strong></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/"> <strong>Ken Wendt </strong></a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/"><strong>Pete Whitehead </strong></a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u></p>
<p>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>586</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[fa6e9db6-8ead-11f0-b7b7-2f17c2d1f03c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6942860082.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Job or Sales Pitch? When Door-to-Door Collides with Boundaries</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, storyteller Aaron Calafato reflects on his lifelong clash with door-to-door salespeople—and the one unforgettable mix-up that tested his boundaries at home. With humor and humility, Aaron shows how one bad assumption turned into a lesson about forgiveness, stress, and the fine line between protecting your space and shutting out opportunity.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories its new⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 9:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock⁠ ⁠VIP access ⁠⁠to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/983811c2-8930-11f0-bfd3-6fa7844264f9/image/dd8bcf0af1f06fd7399db23bb35982e6.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, storyteller Aaron Calafato reflects on his lifelong clash with door-to-door salespeople—and the one unforgettable mix-up that tested his boundaries at home. With humor and humility, Aaron shows how one bad assumption turned into a lesson about forgiveness, stress, and the fine line between protecting your space and shutting out opportunity.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories its new⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 9:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock⁠ ⁠VIP access ⁠⁠to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.



*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke 

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring 



Special Thanks: 
Shannon Baker

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, storyteller Aaron Calafato reflects on his lifelong clash with door-to-door salespeople—and the one unforgettable mix-up that tested his boundaries at home. With humor and humility, Aaron shows how one bad assumption turned into a lesson about forgiveness, stress, and the fine line between protecting your space and shutting out opportunity.</p>
<p>🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> its new<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ <strong>9:30PM EST</strong>, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. </p>
<p>👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/nightstories">⁠ ⁠<strong>VIP access</strong> ⁠⁠</a>to Aaron’s <em>audio-only</em> private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><strong>*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:</strong></p>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: <strong>Aaron Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer:<a href="https://kenwendt.com/">⁠ <strong>Ken Wendt </strong>⁠</a></p>
<p>Additional vocals: <strong>Cori Calafato</strong></p>
<p>Artist in Residence: <a href="https://www.petewhitehead.com/">⁠<strong>Pete Whitehead </strong>⁠</a></p>
<p>Original Theme Music: <strong>thomas j. duke </strong></p>
<p>Additional Soundscape Design: <strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p><u><strong>Special Thanks: </strong></u>
Shannon Baker</p>
<p>Rob Montague Jr</p>
<p>Kyle McCarthy</p>
<p>Dania Khalife</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>473</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[983811c2-8930-11f0-bfd3-6fa7844264f9]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN3495049482.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Blue Plastic Bag | Paper, Plastic, and Control</title>
      <description>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron Calafato takes a simple grocery store choice—paper or plastic—and spins it into a meditation on control, responsibility, and the ripple effects of everyday decisions. What begins with a floating blue plastic bag in a parking lot leads to staggering truths about pollution, a reckoning with personal accountability, and a realization that change starts with the next small choice.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories its new⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 9:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock ⁠VIP access ⁠to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1ddcdc40-83af-11f0-b04a-ab9051606f9d/image/9651fccabc40009e6af8eb19fe8e5b59.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron Calafato takes a simple grocery store choice—paper or plastic—and spins it into a meditation on control, responsibility, and the ripple effects of everyday decisions. What begins with a floating blue plastic bag in a parking lot leads to staggering truths about pollution, a reckoning with personal accountability, and a realization that change starts with the next small choice.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories its new⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 9:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock ⁠VIP access ⁠to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron Calafato takes a simple grocery store choice—paper or plastic—and spins it into a meditation on control, responsibility, and the ripple effects of everyday decisions. What begins with a floating blue plastic bag in a parking lot leads to staggering truths about pollution, a reckoning with personal accountability, and a realization that change starts with the next small choice.
</p>
<p>🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> its new<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nightradiolive">⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ <strong>9:30PM EST</strong>, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. </p>
<p>👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock<a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/nightstories"> ⁠<strong>VIP access</strong> ⁠</a>to Aaron’s <em>audio-only</em> private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>491</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1ddcdc40-83af-11f0-b04a-ab9051606f9d]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7076433000.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Soledad O’Brien: From Covering Katrina to Shaping Stories for Netflix</title>
      <description>Award-winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien — known from CNN, NBC, and HBO, and now the CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions — joins Aaron to explore the enduring power of storytelling. From Hurricane Katrina to acclaimed documentaries, she shares why human stories resonate more than data and how details can transform the way we understand the world.


See what stories Soledad is helping craft at: 

Soledad O'Brien Productions


Love 7MS? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. 



📺 Watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University now on Aaron’s YouTube Channel. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss new episodes.


The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3ee0297a-77f1-11f0-8fc9-87659426f41d/image/e2286d62cfe85b7a14460097484df306.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Award-winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien — known from CNN, NBC, and HBO, and now the CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions — joins Aaron to explore the enduring power of storytelling. From Hurricane Katrina to acclaimed documentaries, she shares why human stories resonate more than data and how details can transform the way we understand the world.


See what stories Soledad is helping craft at: 

Soledad O'Brien Productions


Love 7MS? Here's how to support: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. 



📺 Watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University now on Aaron’s YouTube Channel. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss new episodes.


The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Award-winning journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien — known from CNN, NBC, and HBO, and now the CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions — joins Aaron to explore the enduring power of storytelling. From Hurricane Katrina to acclaimed documentaries, she shares why human stories resonate more than data and how details can transform the way we understand the world.
</p>
<p>See what stories Soledad is helping craft at: </p>
<p><a href="https://soledadproductions.com/">Soledad O'Brien Productions</a></p>
<p>
Love 7MS? Here's how to support: </p>
<p>1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>2. Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. </p>
<p>

📺 Watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em> now on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">Aaron’s YouTube Channel</a>. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss new episodes.
</p>
<p><em>The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe </em></p>
<p><em>Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden </em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1038</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3ee0297a-77f1-11f0-8fc9-87659426f41d]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5542786378.mp3?updated=1755739128" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Learning Left from Right at a Funeral</title>
      <description>At a funeral, Aaron froze in the aisle, unsure whether to go right or left. That moment carried him back to first grade, when Mrs. Brown—his teacher during a chaotic year at home—taught him how to tell right from left using memory and imagination. Years later, at her funeral, Aaron discovered her lesson was still guiding him in ways he never expected.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:00PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.”</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d48fc248-7de4-11f0-89e4-975be6c69183/image/d8f4c5288f4045bd12fd80f03850f1eb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At a funeral, Aaron froze in the aisle, unsure whether to go right or left. That moment carried him back to first grade, when Mrs. Brown—his teacher during a chaotic year at home—taught him how to tell right from left using memory and imagination. Years later, at her funeral, Aaron discovered her lesson was still guiding him in ways he never expected.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:00PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 

👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.”</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At a funeral, Aaron froze in the aisle, unsure whether to go right or left. That moment carried him back to first grade, when Mrs. Brown—his teacher during a chaotic year at home—taught him how to tell right from left using memory and imagination. Years later, at her funeral, Aaron discovered her lesson was still guiding him in ways he never expected.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠</a>— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:00PM EST, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. </p>
<p>👉OR, if you’re a diehard 7 Minute Stories listener—skip the ads and unlock <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter"><strong>VIP access</strong> </a>to Aaron’s <em>audio-only</em> private studio. Subscribe to the 7MS Newsletter for commercial-free Night Stories every Thursday, straight from your phone or computer.”

</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>516</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d48fc248-7de4-11f0-89e4-975be6c69183]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2329408174.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title> When You Know It’s Too Much: A Warheads Story</title>
      <description>A childhood without candy turned into an all-out Warheads binge — and a tongue injury Aaron Calafato kept secret just to eat them again. In this sweet-and-sour tale, he explores grocery store obsessions, 90s candy culture, and the lengths we go for what we crave.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d8267a6-78bd-11f0-be19-ab7553e27497/image/81277424c1096b2eb5690878ca550205.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A childhood without candy turned into an all-out Warheads binge — and a tongue injury Aaron Calafato kept secret just to eat them again. In this sweet-and-sour tale, he explores grocery store obsessions, 90s candy culture, and the lengths we go for what we crave.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A childhood without candy turned into an all-out Warheads binge — and a tongue injury Aaron Calafato kept secret just to eat them again. In this sweet-and-sour tale, he explores grocery store obsessions, 90s candy culture, and the lengths we go for what we crave.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠</a>— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>508</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8d8267a6-78bd-11f0-be19-ab7553e27497]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9177703824.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Last Blockbuster and the Death of Movie Night</title>
      <description>Aaron reflects on his growing inability to choose and enjoy movies in the age of endless streaming—and the unexpected documentary that finally broke his paralysis. It leads him to a powerful realization: the death of Blockbuster didn’t just end a store, it ended an experience.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/744f0a02-7334-11f0-bfd4-23ead27a8524/image/dc7b8747a4d0bd754cf0b530d2cb3fd8.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on his growing inability to choose and enjoy movies in the age of endless streaming—and the unexpected documentary that finally broke his paralysis. It leads him to a powerful realization: the death of Blockbuster didn’t just end a store, it ended an experience.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on his growing inability to choose and enjoy movies in the age of endless streaming—and the unexpected documentary that finally broke his paralysis. It leads him to a powerful realization: the death of Blockbuster didn’t just end a store, it ended an experience.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠ YouTube Channel⁠⁠</a>— these late-night sessions go live every Thursday evening @ 11:30PM EST, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>499</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[744f0a02-7334-11f0-bfd4-23ead27a8524]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8808680436.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Missing Person, Mozzarella Sticks &amp; an Ending You Won’t Believe</title>
      <description>When a missing person case hit Aaron’s community, he didn’t expect to get involved—until mozzarella sticks at Arby’s made it personal. In this story, Aaron shares how an ordinary craving turned into an extraordinary connection and an ending no one saw coming.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠ YouTube Channel⁠— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d24fdc6-6dbb-11f0-b416-53659f469273/image/153a8936b8e6055e6f3d1084c84f9288.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When a missing person case hit Aaron’s community, he didn’t expect to get involved—until mozzarella sticks at Arby’s made it personal. In this story, Aaron shares how an ordinary craving turned into an extraordinary connection and an ending no one saw coming.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his⁠ YouTube Channel⁠— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When a missing person case hit Aaron’s community, he didn’t expect to get involved—until mozzarella sticks at Arby’s made it personal. In this story, Aaron shares how an ordinary craving turned into an extraordinary connection and an ending no one saw coming.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠ YouTube Channel⁠</a>— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>490</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8d24fdc6-6dbb-11f0-b416-53659f469273]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5086762184.mp3?updated=1753931629" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Prayer: What I Heard in the Hospital Changed Me Forever</title>
      <description>While sitting beside his grandmother before heart surgery, Aaron witnesses a moment of prayer that transforms his understanding of vulnerability, faith, and human connection. What began as a simple hospital visit becomes an unexpected chorus of hope echoing down the hallway.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his YouTube Channel— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bffc6586-6839-11f0-8697-cb98bd94a4b0/image/117c84690c7d2188b5c70fa7e4f3cd8c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>While sitting beside his grandmother before heart surgery, Aaron witnesses a moment of prayer that transforms his understanding of vulnerability, faith, and human connection. What began as a simple hospital visit becomes an unexpected chorus of hope echoing down the hallway.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his YouTube Channel— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>While sitting beside his grandmother before heart surgery, Aaron witnesses a moment of prayer that transforms his understanding of vulnerability, faith, and human connection. What began as a simple hospital visit becomes an unexpected chorus of hope echoing down the hallway.</p>
<p>
🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1"> YouTube Channel</a>— these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>.
</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>487</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[bffc6586-6839-11f0-8697-cb98bd94a4b0]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4795194459.mp3?updated=1753326375" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Angus Fletcher (Story Scientist, OSU): Why Storytelling Is More Powerful Than Data, AI, or Logic</title>
      <description>What if storytelling isn’t just communication—but the original form of intelligence? 

Angus Fletcher, story scientist and Ohio State professor (featured on Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History Podcast), explains why narrative thinking is more powerful than data, logic, or AI. From neurons to Shakespeare to U.S. Special Ops, this conversation reveals how stories help us plan, survive, and imagine a better future. 



Angus Fletcher's new book available for pre-order! 



Support 7MS by doing 3 simple things: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. 



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3bd208da-6409-11f0-bd5d-37f9f498c43b/image/fb67c49604813504b09c8f3bc22b0b27.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What if storytelling isn’t just communication—but the original form of intelligence? 

Angus Fletcher, story scientist and Ohio State professor (featured on Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History Podcast), explains why narrative thinking is more powerful than data, logic, or AI. From neurons to Shakespeare to U.S. Special Ops, this conversation reveals how stories help us plan, survive, and imagine a better future. 



Angus Fletcher's new book available for pre-order! 



Support 7MS by doing 3 simple things: 

1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening

2. Tap 5 Stars

3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. 



The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe 

Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What if storytelling isn’t just communication—but the original form of intelligence? </p>
<p>Angus Fletcher, story scientist and Ohio State professor (featured on Malcolm Gladwell's<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/in-defense-of-paw-patrol"> Revisionist History Podcast</a>), explains why narrative thinking is more powerful than data, logic, or AI. From neurons to Shakespeare to U.S. Special Ops, this conversation reveals how stories help us plan, survive, and imagine a better future. </p>
<p><br></p>
<p><a href="https://www.angusfletcher.co/"><em>Angus Fletcher's new book available for pre-order! </em></a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Support 7MS by doing 3 simple things: </p>
<p>1. Follow the pod wherever you're listening</p>
<p>2. Tap 5 Stars</p>
<p>3. Text one person you love a link to your favorite episode. </p>
<p><br></p>
<p><em>The Storytelling University is part of the 7 Minute Stories Universe </em></p>
<p><em>Created &amp; Produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden </em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1595</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>They Called Me “America” — But They Were the Dream</title>
      <description>After college, Aaron spent a quiet summer in rural Ohio, preparing for a new life in New York. But one Saturday on a sunbaked soccer field, he joined a league of migrant workers—and they gave him a name he’d never forget. They called him America. But watching them play, celebrate, and return to the fields, he realized—they were the dream all along.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ — these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>They Called Me “America” — But They Were the Dream</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fd9c13e2-62b6-11f0-9f5a-630dbc5f6f0c/image/4980663f2df3948d474eec191260afdc.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After college, Aaron spent a quiet summer in rural Ohio, preparing for a new life in New York. But one Saturday on a sunbaked soccer field, he joined a league of migrant workers—and they gave him a name he’d never forget. They called him America. But watching them play, celebrate, and return to the fields, he realized—they were the dream all along.


🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories live during Night Stories on his ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ — these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After college, Aaron spent a quiet summer in rural Ohio, preparing for a new life in New York. But one Saturday on a sunbaked soccer field, he joined a league of migrant workers—and they gave him a name he’d never forget. They called him <em>America</em>. But watching them play, celebrate, and return to the fields, he realized—they were the dream all along.</p>
<p>
🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories <em>live</em> during <strong>Night Stories</strong> on his ⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ — these late-night sessions can happen anytime, so be sure to <strong>subscribe</strong> and <strong>hit the notification bell</strong> to unwind with him whenever he goes live. 👉 While you're there, you can also watch video versions of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>477</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Raced Shamu at SeaWorld—and Missed the Real Story Unfolding</title>
      <description>In 1993, a 10-year-old Aaron Calafato got the opportunity of a lifetime: to race a killer whale named Shamu at SeaWorld in front of a roaring crowd. What started as a dream moment turned into public humiliation—and a soaking wet lesson he never forgot. But decades later, that memory sparked a deeper question: What did Shamu feel like in that same spotlight?


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.



👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on ⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel ⁠⁠— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/85989e18-5a84-11f0-9de1-ffc0050fc2e2/image/7af6b216f94dddef3be4c4fed62245db.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 1993, a 10-year-old Aaron Calafato got the opportunity of a lifetime: to race a killer whale named Shamu at SeaWorld in front of a roaring crowd. What started as a dream moment turned into public humiliation—and a soaking wet lesson he never forgot. But decades later, that memory sparked a deeper question: What did Shamu feel like in that same spotlight?


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.



👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on ⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel ⁠⁠— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 1993, a 10-year-old Aaron Calafato got the opportunity of a lifetime: to race a killer whale named Shamu at SeaWorld in front of a roaring crowd. What started as a dream moment turned into public humiliation—and a soaking wet lesson he never forgot. But decades later, that memory sparked a deeper question: What did <em>Shamu</em> feel like in that same spotlight?
</p>
<p>*If you like 7MS, you’ll love <strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong> — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>👉 <strong>Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠<strong>Aaron’s YouTube channel </strong>⁠⁠</a><strong>— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!</strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>486</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Sandlot Star Who Changed Our Lives: A College Story About Art LaFleur</title>
      <description>In 2005, Aaron and his college friend Jon were just two undergrads trying to pull off a film festival with a $3,000 budget. Their goal? Land a special guest who would leave a lasting impact. After a series of wild long shots, they found the perfect fit — The Sandlot’s Art LaFleur, the actor who played Babe Ruth. This episode is about what happened next: a weekend of laughter, inspiration, and unexpected campus fame. It's also about creative dreams, the power of nostalgia, and the regret of waiting too long to reconnect. A tribute to a beloved character actor — and a reminder that legends never die.


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.



👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on ⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel ⁠— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Sandlot Star Who Changed Our Lives: A College Story About Art LaFleur</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e8d8c428-57b7-11f0-808a-134cc0220da9/image/d0007a36150660280674095d18fe552e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 2005, Aaron and his college friend Jon were just two undergrads trying to pull off a film festival with a $3,000 budget. Their goal? Land a special guest who would leave a lasting impact. After a series of wild long shots, they found the perfect fit — The Sandlot’s Art LaFleur, the actor who played Babe Ruth. This episode is about what happened next: a weekend of laughter, inspiration, and unexpected campus fame. It's also about creative dreams, the power of nostalgia, and the regret of waiting too long to reconnect. A tribute to a beloved character actor — and a reminder that legends never die.


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.



👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on ⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel ⁠— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 2005, Aaron and his college friend Jon were just two undergrads trying to pull off a film festival with a $3,000 budget. Their goal? Land a special guest who would leave a lasting impact. After a series of wild long shots, they found the perfect fit — <em>The Sandlot’s</em> Art LaFleur, the actor who played Babe Ruth. This episode is about what happened next: a weekend of laughter, inspiration, and unexpected campus fame. It's also about creative dreams, the power of nostalgia, and the regret of waiting too long to reconnect. A tribute to a beloved character actor — and a reminder that legends never die.
</p>
<p>*If you like 7MS, you’ll love <strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong> — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>👉 <strong>Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠<strong>Aaron’s YouTube channel </strong>⁠</a><strong>— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!</strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>480</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>My Olivia Newton‑John Moment</title>
      <description>At a Holiday Inn off the Garden State Parkway (or as Aaron mistakenly called it, “the Jersey Parkway” — what can we say, he’s from Ohio), a late‑night room service shift becomes an unexpected lesson in grit, perseverance, and chasing a dream. From an awkward encounter with a strange guest to a $300 VIP assignment that felt like a wink from the universe, this is the story of how a moment with Olivia Newton‑John reaffirmed one aspiring actor’s path. Sometimes, amid the cheeseburgers and long elevators, all you need is a sign.


7MS Season 6 Starts September 2025! 


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.

👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on Aaron’s YouTube channel — and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/183063d8-5237-11f0-a694-cf6ecfb267d0/image/80dbd5db00e58f19f35fe3fe182b4f03.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At a Holiday Inn off the Garden State Parkway (or as Aaron mistakenly called it, “the Jersey Parkway” — what can we say, he’s from Ohio), a late‑night room service shift becomes an unexpected lesson in grit, perseverance, and chasing a dream. From an awkward encounter with a strange guest to a $300 VIP assignment that felt like a wink from the universe, this is the story of how a moment with Olivia Newton‑John reaffirmed one aspiring actor’s path. Sometimes, amid the cheeseburgers and long elevators, all you need is a sign.


7MS Season 6 Starts September 2025! 


*If you like 7MS, you’ll love 7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.

👉 Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on Aaron’s YouTube channel — and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!



*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At a Holiday Inn off the <strong>Garden State Parkway</strong> (or as Aaron mistakenly called it, “the Jersey Parkway” — what can we say, he’s from Ohio), a late‑night room service shift becomes an unexpected lesson in grit, perseverance, and chasing a dream. From an awkward encounter with a strange guest to a $300 VIP assignment that felt like a wink from the universe, this is the story of how a moment with Olivia Newton‑John reaffirmed one aspiring actor’s path. Sometimes, amid the cheeseburgers and long elevators, all you need is a sign.</p>
<p><u><strong>
7MS Season 6 Starts September 2025! 
</strong></u></p>
<p>*If you like 7MS, you’ll love <strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong> — a live, audio‑first show inspired by classic late‑night radio. It features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, unexpected conversations with guests, and a live chat with you, the listener.</p>
<p>👉 <strong>Catch it live every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1"><strong>Aaron’s YouTube channel </strong></a><strong>— and while you’re there, you can watch video versions of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University too!</strong></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>509</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[183063d8-5237-11f0-a694-cf6ecfb267d0]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9584577950.mp3?updated=1750906308" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title> Noraly Schoenmaker (Itchy Boots): Storytelling, Travel, and Her New NYT Bestselling Book</title>
      <description>Noraly Schoenmaker—creator of Itchy Boots—joins Aaron Calafato on 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University for a deep dive into the art of storytelling, the kindness of strangers, and what it means to document real experiences while living them. She reflects on how her solo motorcycle travels around the world transformed her outlook on life, and discusses her New York Times bestselling book, Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life, which pulls back the curtain on the stories behind her extraordinary adventure.


  Noraly's New Book, Free Ride




  Itchy Boots on YouTube:


The Storytelling University is created and produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b275ae20-4a4a-11f0-9ae4-cbf7a8efc8df/image/cfd93891b17e375365502443fd4589a2.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Noraly Schoenmaker—creator of Itchy Boots—joins Aaron Calafato on 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University for a deep dive into the art of storytelling, the kindness of strangers, and what it means to document real experiences while living them. She reflects on how her solo motorcycle travels around the world transformed her outlook on life, and discusses her New York Times bestselling book, Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life, which pulls back the curtain on the stories behind her extraordinary adventure.


  Noraly's New Book, Free Ride




  Itchy Boots on YouTube:


The Storytelling University is created and produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Noraly Schoenmaker</strong>—creator of <em>Itchy Boots</em>—joins Aaron Calafato on <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em> for a deep dive into the art of storytelling, the kindness of strangers, and what it means to document real experiences while living them. She reflects on how her solo motorcycle travels around the world transformed her outlook on life, and discusses her <em>New York Times</em> bestselling book, <em>Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life</em>, which pulls back the curtain on the stories behind her extraordinary adventure.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Noraly's New Book, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Free-Ride/Noraly-Schoenmaker/9781668092491">Free Ride</a>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
  <li>Itchy Boots <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ItchyBoots">on YouTube</a>:</li>
</ul>
<p>The Storytelling University is created and produced by Aaron Calafato &amp; Brooks Borden </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>2417</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Elvis Has Left the Building... </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e40</link>
      <description>What happens when you meet someone pretending to be Elvis… in a small-town restaurant? In this Season 5 Finale of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story about nachos, a tribute act, and an unexpected moment of connection. What started as a kitschy Elvis performance turns into something unforgettable—a moving reflection on art, risk, and the courage to chase your dream, even if only twelve people are watching.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 


*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:17:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Elvis Has Left the Building... </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0d31f52e-4cb4-11f0-b4ea-e3e9ac2258ea/image/447ae4731d622964aa4bc0f7334ff144.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What happens when you meet someone pretending to be Elvis… in a small-town restaurant? </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What happens when you meet someone pretending to be Elvis… in a small-town restaurant? In this Season 5 Finale of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story about nachos, a tribute act, and an unexpected moment of connection. What started as a kitschy Elvis performance turns into something unforgettable—a moving reflection on art, risk, and the courage to chase your dream, even if only twelve people are watching.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 


*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What happens when you meet someone pretending to be Elvis… in a small-town restaurant? <strong>In this Season 5 Finale of </strong><em><strong>7 Minute Stories</strong></em><strong>,</strong> Aaron shares a story about nachos, a tribute act, and an unexpected moment of connection. What started as a kitschy Elvis performance turns into something unforgettable—a moving reflection on art, risk, and the courage to chase your dream, even if only twelve people are watching.</p>
<p>
* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's<a href="https://youtube.com/live/0SnEnKlV-AY?feature=share"> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a><strong>. </strong>A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠</a>and tune in every Monday! 
</p>
<p>*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>561</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0d31f52e-4cb4-11f0-b4ea-e3e9ac2258ea]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1468438946.mp3?updated=1750306445" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Housekeeping, Where to Find Aaron Between Seasons &amp; Storytelling University Sneak Peek</title>
      <description>With the Season 5 finale of 7 Minute Stories just around the corner, Aaron shares a special housekeeping update. In this episode, listeners get a rundown on where to find him during the offseason—including new short-form storytelling series on Instagram and YouTube, weekly live streams, and the launch of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University. Plus, Aaron previews the first episode of the new series, featuring solo motorcycle adventurer and YouTube star Itchy Boots! 

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>With the Season 5 finale of 7 Minute Stories just around the corner, Aaron shares a special housekeeping update. In this episode, listeners get a rundown on where to find him during the offseason—including new short-form storytelling series on Instagram and YouTube, weekly live streams, and the launch of 7MS Presents: The Storytelling University. Plus, Aaron previews the first episode of the new series, featuring solo motorcycle adventurer and YouTube star Itchy Boots! 

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>With the Season 5 finale of <em>7 Minute Stories</em> just around the corner, Aaron shares a special housekeeping update. In this episode, listeners get a rundown on where to find him during the offseason—including new short-form storytelling series on Instagram and YouTube, weekly live streams, and the launch of <em>7MS Presents: The Storytelling University</em>. Plus, Aaron previews the first episode of the new series, featuring solo motorcycle adventurer and YouTube star <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIs9nkveW9WmYtsOcJBwTg">Itchy Boots</a>! </p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠⁠⁠<strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠<strong>. </strong>A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠</a>and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>414</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2278566592.mp3?updated=1749615584" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WWF and Shawn Michaels Taught Me About Trust—Then My Best Friend Betrayed Me</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e39</link>
      <description>Was it Shawn Michaels’ infamous superkick through the barbershop window? Or generations of Sicilian family wisdom that taught Aaron the true meaning of betrayal? In this nostalgic tale, Aaron explores childhood trust, sixth-grade backstabbing, and how wrestling lore and real life collided in a lesson he never forgot.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>WWF and Shawn Michaels Taught Me About Trust—Then My Best Friend Betrayed Me</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b63ec196-41bb-11f0-841f-6f8d72dc14a7/image/f60e1433f5f5dafdced2549a7ec5cea7.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Was it Shawn Michaels’ infamous superkick through the barbershop window? Or generations of Sicilian family wisdom that taught Aaron the true meaning of betrayal? </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Was it Shawn Michaels’ infamous superkick through the barbershop window? Or generations of Sicilian family wisdom that taught Aaron the true meaning of betrayal? In this nostalgic tale, Aaron explores childhood trust, sixth-grade backstabbing, and how wrestling lore and real life collided in a lesson he never forgot.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Was it Shawn Michaels’ infamous superkick through the barbershop window? Or generations of Sicilian family wisdom that taught Aaron the true meaning of betrayal? In this nostalgic tale, Aaron explores childhood trust, sixth-grade backstabbing, and how wrestling lore and real life collided in a lesson he never forgot.
</p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠⁠<strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠<strong>. </strong>A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠</a>and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>495</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b63ec196-41bb-11f0-841f-6f8d72dc14a7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7594004227.mp3?updated=1749094201" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why She Tried to Grab My Arm Every Sunday</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e38</link>
      <description>As a kid, Aaron was terrified of the trembling old woman who reached for him at church every Sunday. Years later, a simple handshake revealed the heartbreaking reason why—and left him with a memory that never faded.



* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 04:16:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Why She Tried to Grab My Arm Every Sunday</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2093af54-3c42-11f0-828c-eb43b340d1c6/image/8f7d7b2abacc49ece87aaf418f8d4e50.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>As a kid, Aaron was terrified of the trembling old woman who reached for him at church every Sunday...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As a kid, Aaron was terrified of the trembling old woman who reached for him at church every Sunday. Years later, a simple handshake revealed the heartbreaking reason why—and left him with a memory that never faded.



* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As a kid, Aaron was terrified of the trembling old woman who reached for him at church every Sunday. Years later, a simple handshake revealed the heartbreaking reason why—and left him with a memory that never faded.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠<strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠</a>⁠⁠⁠<strong>. </strong>A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠</a>and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>589</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[2093af54-3c42-11f0-828c-eb43b340d1c6]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2931681047.mp3?updated=1748492476" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Day I Met My Daughter (I Love You, Brosephina)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e37</link>
      <description>On this deeply personal episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on the life-changing events of May 22nd—the day his daughter was born. From migraines and fear to awe and transformation, this story explores what it really means to become a parent for the first time.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Day I Met My Daughter (I Love You, Brosephina)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4ea456a4-369e-11f0-9c55-4317d5098d0d/image/e814e3d1df42bf491a40286c33eb2a43.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>On this deeply personal episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on the life-changing events of May 22nd—the day his daughter was born...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On this deeply personal episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on the life-changing events of May 22nd—the day his daughter was born. From migraines and fear to awe and transformation, this story explores what it really means to become a parent for the first time.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this deeply personal episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron reflects on the life-changing events of May 22nd—the day his daughter was born. From migraines and fear to awe and transformation, this story explores what it really means to become a parent for the first time.
</p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m"><strong>7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted</strong></a>⁠⁠⁠<strong>. </strong>A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1"> ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ </a>and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>513</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Big Updates, New Season, and What’s Next for 7 Minute Stories</title>
      <description>In this special Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron shares exciting updates about the future of 7 Minute Stories—including a brand-new app, a weekly live radio-style storytelling stream, and the upcoming Storytelling University series. With just a few episodes left in Season 5, Aaron reflects and invites you into the next chapter.

Tune in to Aaron’s new audio-first livestream — 7MS: Storystream LIVE &amp; UNSCRIPTED — every Monday at 8:30 PM ET.
https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Big Updates, New Season, and What’s Next for 7 Minute Stories</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3b62ec38-3359-11f0-bd56-6f3c8b386b7e/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this special Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron shares exciting updates about the future of 7 Minute Stories...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this special Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron shares exciting updates about the future of 7 Minute Stories—including a brand-new app, a weekly live radio-style storytelling stream, and the upcoming Storytelling University series. With just a few episodes left in Season 5, Aaron reflects and invites you into the next chapter.

Tune in to Aaron’s new audio-first livestream — 7MS: Storystream LIVE &amp; UNSCRIPTED — every Monday at 8:30 PM ET.
https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this special <em>Sunday Leftovers</em> episode, Aaron shares exciting updates about the future of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>—including a brand-new app, a weekly live radio-style storytelling stream, and the upcoming <em>Storytelling University</em> series. With just a few episodes left in Season 5, Aaron reflects and invites you into the next chapter.

Tune in to Aaron’s new audio-first livestream — <em>7MS: Storystream LIVE &amp; UNSCRIPTED</em> — every Monday at 8:30 PM ET.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1</a>
</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Problem with Using '90s Commercials as a Sleep Aid</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e36</link>
      <description>Aaron Calafato thought he’d finally cracked the code on curing his late-night insomnia—with the help of a few nostalgic commercials from the 1980s and ’90s. But what worked like melatonin for him caused chaos in his wife’s sleeping habits. In this episode, Aaron unpacks how the jingles, voices, and toy ads of his youth became a soothing balm for anxiety… and how imagination—not consumption—might be the real trick to falling asleep.

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Problem with Using '90s Commercials as a Sleep Aid</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0579b144-30e1-11f0-a7b4-6f0cb7edd442/image/9551903af5c786080b8271b2eab924be.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron Calafato thought he’d finally cracked the code on curing his late-night insomnia—with the help of a few nostalgic commercials from the 1980s and ’90s...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron Calafato thought he’d finally cracked the code on curing his late-night insomnia—with the help of a few nostalgic commercials from the 1980s and ’90s. But what worked like melatonin for him caused chaos in his wife’s sleeping habits. In this episode, Aaron unpacks how the jingles, voices, and toy ads of his youth became a soothing balm for anxiety… and how imagination—not consumption—might be the real trick to falling asleep.

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron Calafato thought he’d finally cracked the code on curing his late-night insomnia—with the help of a few nostalgic commercials from the 1980s and ’90s. But what worked like melatonin for him caused chaos in his wife’s sleeping habits. In this episode, Aaron unpacks how the jingles, voices, and toy ads of his youth became a soothing balm for anxiety… and how imagination—not consumption—might be the real trick to falling asleep.</p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠⁠<strong>7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠⁠</a><strong>. </strong>7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠</a> and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>554</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0579b144-30e1-11f0-a7b4-6f0cb7edd442]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1725288674.mp3?updated=1747277562" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Statue of Limitations</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e35</link>
      <description>A few days before Valentine’s Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn’t found a gift for his wife. Not for lack of effort—he’s been looking. But what she wants is oddly specific: a concrete lawn goose. What follows is a story about love, small towns, gift anxiety, and what it means to really try—even if you’re probably going to fail.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Statue of Limitations</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/92ca4036-2ae2-11f0-a7ae-831592214a40/image/3a9a91a3d56827960f68a1eef1a1919a.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A few days before Valentine’s Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn’t found a gift for his wife...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A few days before Valentine’s Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn’t found a gift for his wife. Not for lack of effort—he’s been looking. But what she wants is oddly specific: a concrete lawn goose. What follows is a story about love, small towns, gift anxiety, and what it means to really try—even if you’re probably going to fail.


* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A few days before Valentine’s Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn’t found a gift for his wife. Not for lack of effort—he’s been looking. But what she wants is oddly specific: a concrete lawn goose. What follows is a story about love, small towns, gift anxiety, and what it means to really try—even if you’re probably going to fail.
</p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠⁠<strong>7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠⁠</a><strong>. </strong>7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠</a> and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>624</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[92ca4036-2ae2-11f0-a7ae-831592214a40]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7628411323.mp3?updated=1747277533" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Scooter Man Incident (Or: How I Became Larry David)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e34</link>
      <description>When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown. In this episode, Aaron recounts the moment he transformed into the fictional version of Larry David, wrestling with his own patience, boundaries, and a stranger’s relentless sales script. It’s a story about personal space, emotional restraint, and why no really means no.

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2025 04:17:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Scooter Man Incident (Or: How I Became Larry David)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1e8c450c-2641-11f0-aca8-477ef3b415c7/image/90bb960baacd3db7d8669bc870330234.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown. In this episode, Aaron recounts the moment he transformed into the fictional version of Larry David, wrestling with his own patience, boundaries, and a stranger’s relentless sales script. It’s a story about personal space, emotional restraint, and why no really means no.

* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠

  ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown. In this episode, Aaron recounts the moment he transformed into the fictional version of Larry David, wrestling with his own patience, boundaries, and a stranger’s relentless sales script. It’s a story about personal space, emotional restraint, and why <em>no</em> really means <em>no</em>.</p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m">⁠<strong>7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted</strong>⁠</a><strong>. </strong>7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠</a> and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>470</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1e8c450c-2641-11f0-aca8-477ef3b415c7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6215590356.mp3?updated=1747277503" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Plan for Everything (Except a Paper Cut)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e33</link>
      <description>Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: give a gift to your future self. It’s great advice—until it isn’t. In this episode, a public library talk goes sideways fast, and Aaron learns the hard way that even the best-laid plans can’t stop a surprise bloodbath.



* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's 7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted. 

7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠Instagram ⁠

  ⁠IG Threads ⁠

  ⁠YouTube⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>How to Plan for Everything (Except a Paper Cut)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8508a47e-20bf-11f0-b3d0-b3a364c7c57c/image/b84d5b86346b3111e02198dd5a6762de.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: give a gift to your future self. It’s great advice—until it isn’t...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: give a gift to your future self. It’s great advice—until it isn’t. In this episode, a public library talk goes sideways fast, and Aaron learns the hard way that even the best-laid plans can’t stop a surprise bloodbath.



* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's 7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted. 

7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠ and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...


  ⁠Instagram ⁠

  ⁠IG Threads ⁠

  ⁠YouTube⁠


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt

Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 

Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 

Original Music: thomas j. duke

Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: <em>give a gift to your future self.</em> It’s great advice—until it isn’t. In this episode, a public library talk goes sideways fast, and Aaron learns the hard way that even the best-laid plans can’t stop a surprise bloodbath.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>* If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYWXR4rn_zpp7qj1nkSjILsLbiqUhac8m"><strong>7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p>
<p>7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠</a> and tune in every Monday! 

*Follow Aaron on...</p>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">⁠Instagram ⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">⁠IG Threads ⁠</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">⁠YouTube⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p>
<p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p>
<p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p>
<p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p>
<p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>
<p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>
<p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>524</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8508a47e-20bf-11f0-b3d0-b3a364c7c57c]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sunday at Nonna's </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e32</link>
      <description>Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down that became the heartbeat of his family. This deeply personal episode explores the power of food, memory, and how culture gets preserved one simmering pot of sauce at a time.

*Shout out to artist Frank Oriti for helping inspire this story! 
https://frankoritijr.com/

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Follow Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sunday at Nonna's </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e06a22b4-1a68-11f0-b97c-abf60efec2cb/image/332f19615e2f5e098d83c4c2c9617713.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down that became the heartbeat of his family. This deeply personal episode explores the power of food, memory, and how culture gets preserved one simmering pot of sauce at a time.

*Shout out to artist Frank Oriti for helping inspire this story! 
https://frankoritijr.com/

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Follow Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down that became the heartbeat of his family. This deeply personal episode explores the power of food, memory, and how culture gets preserved one simmering pot of sauce at a time.</p><p><br></p><p>*Shout out to artist Frank Oriti for helping inspire this story! </p><p><a href="https://frankoritijr.com/">https://frankoritijr.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Follow Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>494</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e06a22b4-1a68-11f0-b97c-abf60efec2cb]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8571585450.mp3?updated=1744858215" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Spring Fever (And Why I Don’t Have It) | 7MS Cinema</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e31</link>
      <description>As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction—back into the basement. In this episode, he reflects on why warmer days fill him with unease, why solitude has become sacred, and how the quiet chill of winter might offer something we’re all starving for: the right to turn off and just be. A story about temperature, temperament, and tuning out.

Make sure you're following the podcast—just tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the show page on Apple Podcasts. 

Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Spring Fever (And Why I Don’t Have It) | 7MS Cinema</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/128b35bc-0f74-11f0-ae80-575e8466e64d/image/50077c0b713b6c186714deb55c208b47.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction—back into the basement. In this episode, he reflects on why warmer days fill him with unease, why solitude has become sacred, and how the quiet chill of winter might offer something we’re all starving for: the right to turn off and just be. A story about temperature, temperament, and tuning out.

Make sure you're following the podcast—just tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the show page on Apple Podcasts. 

Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction—back into the basement. In this episode, he reflects on why warmer days fill him with unease, why solitude has become sacred, and how the quiet chill of winter might offer something we’re all starving for: the right to turn off and just be. A story about temperature, temperament, and tuning out.</p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you're following the podcast—just tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the show page on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-minute-stories-w-aaron-calafato/id1372615640">Apple Podcasts</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring </a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>618</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[128b35bc-0f74-11f0-ae80-575e8466e64d]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN3391597989.mp3?updated=1744255980" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Man, a Sunset, and the Cleanest Hands in Ohio</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e30</link>
      <description>Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he’s reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Man, a Sunset, and the Cleanest Hands in Ohio</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/543f7496-0f06-11f0-80eb-abbc5916f7ae/image/f2abfc8fe2441f4b75694552982b4b5f.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he’s reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he’s reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>517</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[543f7496-0f06-11f0-80eb-abbc5916f7ae]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1621590624.mp3?updated=1743561870" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Gene Hackman's Final Days: The Story We’ll Never Know</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e29</link>
      <description>When Aaron learns of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy’s tragic deaths, he can’t stop thinking about what really happened in those final days. In this intimate reflection, Aaron explores the space between facts and truth—and the power of storytelling to fill in what logic alone never could.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Gene Hackman's Final Days: The Story We’ll Never Know</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/60c6b25c-0a55-11f0-a03d-639a56dcd4aa/image/9f00a4da15d71f55895db93562c0a9bd.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When Aaron learns of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy’s tragic deaths, he can’t stop thinking about what really happened in those final days. In this intimate reflection, Aaron explores the space between facts and truth—and the power of storytelling to fill in what logic alone never could.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When Aaron learns of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy’s tragic deaths, he can’t stop thinking about what really happened in those final days. In this intimate reflection, Aaron explores the space between facts and truth—and the power of storytelling to fill in what logic alone never could.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>471</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[60c6b25c-0a55-11f0-a03d-639a56dcd4aa]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8795892647.mp3?updated=1743002753" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Death of Super Kmart… But What About the Seagull Zoo? (7MS Cinema)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e28</link>
      <description>This special 7 Minute Stories Cinema collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity—only to be reclaimed by an unexpected new population. In this episode, Aaron reflects on a childhood filled with late-night runs, hypnotic store music, and one final transformation that turned an abandoned parking lot into something truly unforgettable.

Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Death of Super Kmart &amp; the Seagull Zoo (7MS Cinema)  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/71d261e8-0381-11f0-ba93-035a5e757169/image/900563bb833199c2c4caf5a313c51695.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This special 7 Minute Stories Cinema collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This special 7 Minute Stories Cinema collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity—only to be reclaimed by an unexpected new population. In this episode, Aaron reflects on a childhood filled with late-night runs, hypnotic store music, and one final transformation that turned an abandoned parking lot into something truly unforgettable.

Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This special <em>7 Minute Stories Cinema</em> collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity—only to be reclaimed by an unexpected new population. In this episode, Aaron reflects on a childhood filled with late-night runs, hypnotic store music, and one final transformation that turned an abandoned parking lot into something truly unforgettable.</p><p><br></p><p>Soundscape Design &amp; Direction: <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring </a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>606</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[71d261e8-0381-11f0-ba93-035a5e757169]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7595173303.mp3?updated=1742353862" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trapped in Nostalgia: When Loving the Past Goes Too Far</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e27</link>
      <description>Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. Through a mix of humor and introspection, he explores how memories shape us—without letting them define us.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Trapped in Nostalgia: When Loving the Past Goes Too Far</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/348f2e68-ffbe-11ef-80f0-7fceac1dbfb6/image/8cc586fb6b7a6ecbc7e9ceff50b8af27.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. ..</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. Through a mix of humor and introspection, he explores how memories shape us—without letting them define us.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. Through a mix of humor and introspection, he explores how memories shape us—without letting them define us.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>481</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[348f2e68-ffbe-11ef-80f0-7fceac1dbfb6]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8621876294.mp3?updated=1743002605" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can You Be Ruthless? A Rent-A-Center Story by Shannon Cason</title>
      <description>What really happens behind the scenes at a Rent-A-Center? In this 7 Minute Stories: Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron features master storyteller Shannon Cason, host of Homemade with Shannon Cason, as part of a special story swap. Shannon shares a brutally honest and darkly funny story from his summer working at Rent-A-Center—where the true business wasn’t furniture, but selling payments. From repo runs to ruthless managers, this story pulls back the curtain on an industry built on high-interest survival.

Follow Shannon's Storytelling:
https://www.shannoncason.com/

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Original Music: autopolitan
Art: Pete Whitehead </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/69a489c6-fc2c-11ef-8eb8-7b5aec614dd9/image/981f681c2acfc3660ca3570ed429ea97.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What really happens behind the scenes at a Rent-A-Center? In this 7 Minute Stories: Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron features master storyteller Shannon Cason, host of Homemade with Shannon Cason, as part of a special story swap. Shannon shares a brutally honest and darkly funny story from his summer working at Rent-A-Center—where the true business wasn’t furniture, but selling payments. From repo runs to ruthless managers, this story pulls back the curtain on an industry built on high-interest survival.

Follow Shannon's Storytelling:
https://www.shannoncason.com/

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Original Music: autopolitan
Art: Pete Whitehead </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What really happens behind the scenes at a Rent-A-Center? In this <em>7 Minute Stories: Sunday Leftovers</em> episode, Aaron features master storyteller <strong>Shannon Cason</strong>, host of <em>Homemade with Shannon Cason</em>, as part of a special story swap. Shannon shares a brutally honest and darkly funny story from his summer working at Rent-A-Center—where the true business wasn’t furniture, but <strong>selling payments</strong>. From repo runs to ruthless managers, this story pulls back the curtain on an industry built on high-interest survival.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Shannon's Storytelling:</p><p><a href="https://www.shannoncason.com/">https://www.shannoncason.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:</strong></p><p> </p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Original Music:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>571</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[69a489c6-fc2c-11ef-8eb8-7b5aec614dd9]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8928829737.mp3?updated=1741445858" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Face That Reminded Me to Reach Out</title>
      <description>This episode features a 7MS Cinema collaboration with audio producer Isaac Gehring.

After years of chasing a dream in New York, Aaron looks back on the unlikely connections and formative moments that shaped his journey—including a family tie to a professional character actor many of you have seen in films over the last few decades. But when a chance reminder from Henry Winkler jogs a long-buried memory, he realizes there's something important he’s been putting off for too long.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/92799458-f714-11ef-9278-cf5e0271da17/image/5cae5c4317af819b33740ba3819b020c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This episode features a 7MS Cinema collaboration with audio producer Isaac Gehring.

After years of chasing a dream in New York, Aaron looks back on the unlikely connections and formative moments that shaped his journey—including a family tie to a professional character actor many of you have seen in films over the last few decades. But when a chance reminder from Henry Winkler jogs a long-buried memory, he realizes there's something important he’s been putting off for too long.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode features a 7MS Cinema collaboration with audio producer <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>After years of chasing a dream in New York, Aaron looks back on the unlikely connections and formative moments that shaped his journey—including a family tie to a professional character actor many of you have seen in films over the last few decades. But when a chance reminder from Henry Winkler jogs a long-buried memory, he realizes there's something important he’s been putting off for too long.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter.</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>596</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[92799458-f714-11ef-9278-cf5e0271da17]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6033343619.mp3?updated=1741240195" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Many Trash Cans Does It Take to Save the World?</title>
      <description>On a freezing winter morning, Aaron stepped outside to complete the simplest of tasks—bringing in his trash cans. But what started as a mundane chore quickly spiraled into an existential crisis, leading him to question generosity, obligation, and just how many trash cans one man can really take in.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/14a48a3e-f321-11ef-b9e0-137def1dd18b/image/f85a392c5721c6a77cd1078707e04c9d.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On a freezing winter morning, Aaron stepped outside to complete the simplest of tasks—bringing in his trash cans. But what started as a mundane chore quickly spiraled into an existential crisis, leading him to question generosity, obligation, and just how many trash cans one man can really take in.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? 
The Storytelling University

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On a freezing winter morning, Aaron stepped outside to complete the simplest of tasks—bringing in his trash cans. But what started as a mundane chore quickly spiraled into an existential crisis, leading him to question generosity, obligation, and just how many trash cans one man can really take in.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheStorytellingUniversity">The Storytelling University</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>496</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[14a48a3e-f321-11ef-b9e0-137def1dd18b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2206849674.mp3?updated=1741240035" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Fixer: From School Detention in Venezuela to Disrupting AI for Everyone (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</title>
      <description>In Venezuela, when something breaks, you don’t just replace it—you figure out how to fix it with whatever you have. That’s the mindset Julio Viera (CEO of kluster.ai) grew up with, one that led him to discover programming in a school detention hall, code by hand in a notebook, and eventually build a company making AI more accessible to the world.

As AI models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT dominate the conversation—sparking both excitement and skepticism—Julio offers a grounded perspective on what true accessibility in AI should look like and how his team is working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge models and real-world impact.

More about kluster.ai
https://www.kluster.ai

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Want to join one of Aaron’s live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.👇
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity

Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music via paid license at Artlist.io</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e8961a6a-f196-11ef-947e-173a78917cd6/image/f5a0e752df4258cb78d8a67a6fa2f111.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In Venezuela, when something breaks, you don’t just replace it—you figure out how to fix it with whatever you have. That’s the mindset Julio Viera (CEO of kluster.ai) grew up with, one that led him to discover programming in a school detention hall, code by hand in a notebook, and eventually build a company making AI more accessible to the world.

As AI models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT dominate the conversation—sparking both excitement and skepticism—Julio offers a grounded perspective on what true accessibility in AI should look like and how his team is working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge models and real-world impact.

More about kluster.ai
https://www.kluster.ai

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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Want to join one of Aaron’s live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.👇
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity

Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music via paid license at Artlist.io</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In Venezuela, when something breaks, you don’t just replace it—you figure out how to fix it with whatever you have. That’s the mindset <strong>Julio Viera</strong> (CEO of kluster.ai) grew up with, one that led him to discover programming in a school detention hall, code by hand in a notebook, and eventually build a company making AI more accessible to the world.</p><p><br></p><p>As AI models like <strong>DeepSeek</strong> and <strong>ChatGPT</strong> dominate the conversation—sparking both excitement and skepticism—Julio offers a grounded perspective on what true accessibility in AI should look like and how his team is working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge models and real-world impact.</p><p><br></p><p>More about kluster.ai</p><p><a href="https://www.kluster.ai">https://www.kluster.ai</a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Want to join one of Aaron’s live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.👇</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:</strong></p><p> </p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Music via paid license at Artlist.io </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>739</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e8961a6a-f196-11ef-947e-173a78917cd6]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN3459545555.mp3?updated=1740283035" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Two Escapes: A Bird, A Barbecue, and a Moment That Lingers</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e24</link>
      <description>On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn. First, they find an unlikely hitchhiker—a panicked bird trapped in their car’s grill. Then, just as they’re leaving the restaurant, a much more unsettling scene unfolds in the parking lot—a woman struggling to escape a car, a man refusing to let her go. In this episode, Aaron recounts two escapes: one with a clear ending, the other still unresolved.

*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Website. 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Want to join one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Two Escapes: A Bird, A Barbecue, and a Moment That Lingers</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cd7b0212-ee18-11ef-b63d-6b5f7bea59aa/image/054e1f95d8d6db51c93f7c12d505d008.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn. First, they find an unlikely hitchhiker—a panicked bird trapped in their car’s grill. Then, just as they’re leaving the restaurant, a much more unsettling scene unfolds in the parking lot—a woman struggling to escape a car, a man refusing to let her go. In this episode, Aaron recounts two escapes: one with a clear ending, the other still unresolved.

*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Website. 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Want to join one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden
Content Associate: Isaac Gehring</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn. First, they find an unlikely hitchhiker—a panicked bird trapped in their car’s grill. Then, just as they’re leaving the restaurant, a much more unsettling scene unfolds in the parking lot—a woman struggling to escape a car, a man refusing to let her go. In this episode, Aaron recounts two escapes: one with a clear ending, the other still unresolved.</p><p><br></p><p>*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s<a href="https://www.thehotline.org/"> Website</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Want to join one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&amp;A.</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p><p>Content Associate: Isaac Gehring </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>550</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cd7b0212-ee18-11ef-b63d-6b5f7bea59aa]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7874989531.mp3?updated=1739924814" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Cloud Factory: A Kid’s Truth, a Small Vacation, and a Frozen Realization</title>
      <description>As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates’ laughter shattered that illusion. In this episode, he shares a written adaptation of this story that’s gained popularity on Instagram Threads, along with reader comments reflecting on their own childhood misconceptions. Plus, a guest story by Karl Gerhard (Medina, OH) about the beauty and unexpected complexity of ice sculptures—because sometimes, what seems simple is anything but.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Cloud Factory: A Kid’s Truth, a Small Vacation, and a Frozen Realization</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0be26c7c-e9bc-11ef-839c-7fd07c5b3faf/image/4432e05811f2247c0c9342b53fb663b0.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates’ laughter shattered that illusion...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates’ laughter shattered that illusion. In this episode, he shares a written adaptation of this story that’s gained popularity on Instagram Threads, along with reader comments reflecting on their own childhood misconceptions. Plus, a guest story by Karl Gerhard (Medina, OH) about the beauty and unexpected complexity of ice sculptures—because sometimes, what seems simple is anything but.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates’ laughter shattered that illusion. In this episode, he shares a written adaptation of this story that’s gained popularity on Instagram Threads, along with reader comments reflecting on their own childhood misconceptions. Plus, a guest story by Karl Gerhard (Medina, OH) about the beauty and unexpected complexity of ice sculptures—because sometimes, what seems simple is anything but.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>478</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0be26c7c-e9bc-11ef-839c-7fd07c5b3faf]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1230056814.mp3?updated=1739418234" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Super Bowl Sunday Confession: The Cleveland Browns, the Kelce brothers, and One Act of Betrayal (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</title>
      <description>It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit. While his wife Cori is sick and asks him to tell her a story, he ends up revealing something that feels like an act of betrayal—not just to her, but to the entire Dawg Pound. What happens next? Well… some things are hard to take back.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: autopolitan</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Super Bowl Sunday Confession: The Cleveland Browns, the Kelce brothers, and One Act of Betrayal (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e5bc5c0c-e6a4-11ef-a2c6-6b7ca098dc8c/image/94b541a27fdb18637e94b4f16cf160a1.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit. While his wife Cori is sick and asks him to tell her a story, he ends up revealing something that feels like an act of betrayal—not just to her, but to the entire Dawg Pound. What happens next? Well… some things are hard to take back.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: autopolitan</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit. While his wife Cori is sick and asks him to tell her a story, he ends up revealing something that feels like an act of betrayal—not just to her, but to the entire Dawg Pound. What happens next? Well… some things are hard to take back.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast:</strong></p><p> </p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>811</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e5bc5c0c-e6a4-11ef-a2c6-6b7ca098dc8c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1409232641.mp3?updated=1739373739" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Magician: Turning Two Hours Into a Lifetime</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e22</link>
      <description>Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. From blasting Springsteen in the car to battling "giant squids" in the car wash, this story captures the magic of a parent making the most of limited time.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Magician: Turning Two Hours Into a Lifetime</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f8afa49c-e323-11ef-8623-f3a5641d69f6/image/00eccfd363a78c06d9e3e7a6d653e763.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. From blasting Springsteen in the car to battling "giant squids" in the car wash, this story captures the magic of a parent making the most of limited time.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke
Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. From blasting Springsteen in the car to battling "giant squids" in the car wash, this story captures the magic of a parent making the most of limited time.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p><p>Content &amp; Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>503</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f8afa49c-e323-11ef-8623-f3a5641d69f6]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6898141091.mp3?updated=1738697121" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Old Church, the Stories, and the Minister’s Prediction (7MS Cinema) </title>
      <description>As a kid, Aaron spent his days at a church with a red door—first in preschool, then in the pews, listening to sermons that felt more like stories. Decades later, he wonders if the minister who once predicted his future might have been onto something. In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left.

Special 7MS Cinema collaboration with producer/engineer Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Old Church, the Stories, and the Minister’s Prediction (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/63286e4e-e0e5-11ef-9473-8b4e817dd81b/image/8940471f52d02f4286b346eb895c25b3.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left....</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As a kid, Aaron spent his days at a church with a red door—first in preschool, then in the pews, listening to sermons that felt more like stories. Decades later, he wonders if the minister who once predicted his future might have been onto something. In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left.

Special 7MS Cinema collaboration with producer/engineer Isaac Gehring 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As a kid, Aaron spent his days at a church with a red door—first in preschool, then in the pews, listening to sermons that felt more like stories. Decades later, he wonders if the minister who once predicted his future might have been onto something. In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Special 7MS Cinema collaboration with producer/engineer </strong><a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/"><strong>Isaac Gehring </strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>606</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[63286e4e-e0e5-11ef-9473-8b4e817dd81b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4599601444.mp3?updated=1743567409" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>High School Dreams, Demo Tapes, and the Magic of Spice</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e21</link>
      <description>In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom. He shares the story of Spice, his high school’s annual talent show, and how it became a beacon of hope for a group of teenage dreamers.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Feb 2025 21:44:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>High School Dreams, Demo Tapes, and the Magic of Spice</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b3c116aa-dc6a-11ef-9be6-1bba5afc2bd1/image/af248c37507bb4bbd906c8bd75d873a3.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom. He shares the story of Spice, his high school’s annual talent show, and how it became a beacon of hope for a group of teenage dreamers.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom. He shares the story of <em>Spice</em>, his high school’s annual talent show, and how it became a beacon of hope for a group of teenage dreamers.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>524</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b3c116aa-dc6a-11ef-9be6-1bba5afc2bd1]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5403287294.mp3?updated=1738446545" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Coveralls, the Coffee, and What He Left Behind (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</title>
      <description>On this episode of Sunday Leftovers we examine the question: What does it mean to love someone who isn’t perfect? In this deeply personal story written, recorded and submitted from 7MS listener and aspiring writer Chad Baxter, we journey through a childhood filled with tender moments and lessons passed from father to son. But as Chad grows older, his relationship with his dad becomes complicated by addiction, shame, and longing for what once was. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the echoes of a father’s influence.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 05:40:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Coveralls, the Coffee, and What He Left Behind (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3e5a01bc-db9b-11ef-9127-bffc2758c093/image/78808892213b61ed32f3c15e1043607a.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What does it mean to love someone who isn’t perfect?...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On this episode of Sunday Leftovers we examine the question: What does it mean to love someone who isn’t perfect? In this deeply personal story written, recorded and submitted from 7MS listener and aspiring writer Chad Baxter, we journey through a childhood filled with tender moments and lessons passed from father to son. But as Chad grows older, his relationship with his dad becomes complicated by addiction, shame, and longing for what once was. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the echoes of a father’s influence.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On this episode of Sunday Leftovers we examine the question: What does it mean to love someone who isn’t perfect? In this deeply personal story written, recorded and submitted from 7MS listener and aspiring writer Chad Baxter, we journey through a childhood filled with tender moments and lessons passed from father to son. But as Chad grows older, his relationship with his dad becomes complicated by addiction, shame, and longing for what once was. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the echoes of a father’s influence.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>599</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3e5a01bc-db9b-11ef-9127-bffc2758c093]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4051106089.mp3?updated=1737864965" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Bread Maker, the Arctic Cold, and What We Forget About Snow Days</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e20</link>
      <description>During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down, rediscovering the magic of snow days through games, creativity, and a bread-making obsession. What they find is a discovery of something many of us know but have forgotten...

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke &amp; autopolitan</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bread Maker, the Arctic Cold, and What We Forget About Snow Days</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3fb1ce76-d945-11ef-9fa2-d7595724d2ed/image/ca8bfc34eae721b2b20a0c7e288a1c18.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down and discover something many of us innately know but have forgotten...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down, rediscovering the magic of snow days through games, creativity, and a bread-making obsession. What they find is a discovery of something many of us know but have forgotten...

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

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*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke &amp; autopolitan</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down, rediscovering the magic of snow days through games, creativity, and a bread-making obsession. What they find is a discovery of something many of us know but have forgotten...</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke &amp; <a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/">autopolitan</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>463</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[3fb1ce76-d945-11ef-9fa2-d7595724d2ed]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6555104637.mp3?updated=1737608454" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Doorman Experiment: What Opening Doors Taught Me About People</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e19</link>
      <description>What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. In this episode, he reflects on the act of opening doors, the complexities of human interaction, and what it truly means to connect with others.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

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*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Doorman Experiment: What Opening Doors Taught Me About People</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0c9205a0-d3bf-11ef-98c4-afc94126c61f/image/6415fac0d8bc05ed783ba953f9de1844.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. ..</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. In this episode, he reflects on the act of opening doors, the complexities of human interaction, and what it truly means to connect with others.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

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YouTube


*Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron 
Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. In this episode, he reflects on the act of opening doors, the complexities of human interaction, and what it truly means to connect with others.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*<a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching">Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron </a></p><p>Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>481</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0c9205a0-d3bf-11ef-98c4-afc94126c61f]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2306141042.mp3?updated=1737000975" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Welcome to 7 Minute Stories! </title>
      <description>A lot can happen in 7 minutes… and luckily, that’s how long it takes me to tell a story. I’m Aaron Calafato, and on this podcast, I’ll take you on crazy roller-coaster rides through my very normal yet very complicated life using my extemporaneous storytelling style. Each episode will help you connect with your own cherished memories. And together, we’ll try to make sense of the world, all in approximately 7 minutes.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2025 03:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Welcome to 7 Minute Stories! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cc52cc80-cf00-11ef-9b81-af187f461ae2/image/df2fbbf7eca269a2f4503dad3c734c92.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A lot can happen in 7 minutes… and luckily, that’s how long it takes me to tell a story. I’m Aaron Calafato, and on this podcast, I’ll take you on crazy roller-coaster rides through my very normal yet very complicated life using my extemporaneous storytelling style. Each episode will help you connect with your own cherished memories. And together, we’ll try to make sense of the world, all in approximately 7 minutes.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A lot can happen in 7 minutes… and luckily, that’s how long it takes me to tell a story. I’m Aaron Calafato, and on this podcast, I’ll take you on crazy roller-coaster rides through my very normal yet very complicated life using my extemporaneous storytelling style. Each episode will help you connect with your own cherished memories. And together, we’ll try to make sense of the world, all in approximately 7 minutes.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>57</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cc52cc80-cf00-11ef-9b81-af187f461ae2]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2181492943.mp3?updated=1736479081" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Car Accident That Left Me Hungry</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e18</link>
      <description>Aaron reflects on a car accident that occurred during college and the surreal series of events that followed—from spaghetti dinners to unexpected twists. This 7 Minute Story explores resilience, forgiveness, and the small moments that linger long after.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:51:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Car Accident That Left Me Hungry</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e7c6779a-ce25-11ef-b95c-0bceb34e2165/image/8a0c6266fdc4e7ab55cf7c4c42957530.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron reflects on a car accident that occurred during college and the surreal series of events that followed...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on a car accident that occurred during college and the surreal series of events that followed—from spaghetti dinners to unexpected twists. This 7 Minute Story explores resilience, forgiveness, and the small moments that linger long after.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on a car accident that occurred during college and the surreal series of events that followed—from spaghetti dinners to unexpected twists. This <em>7 Minute Story</em> explores resilience, forgiveness, and the small moments that linger long after.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>469</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e7c6779a-ce25-11ef-b95c-0bceb34e2165]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9105687180.mp3?updated=1736489035" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>'Twas the Night Before Christmas (7MS Cinema) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e17</link>
      <description>Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve with Aaron Calafato as he shares a 7MS Cinema Remix of his cherished childhood memories and beloved family traditions, from magical library nights to the anticipation of Santa’s arrival. Settle in as Aaron reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and invites you to relive the joy, hope, and magic that make this night unforgettable.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>'Twas the Night Before Christmas (7MS Cinema) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/16cff19e-bb50-11ef-9c53-4f6c010ff898/image/88c2a60b0a18125d6beed1b733dd1e54.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve with Aaron Calafato as he shares cherished childhood memories and beloved family traditions...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve with Aaron Calafato as he shares a 7MS Cinema Remix of his cherished childhood memories and beloved family traditions, from magical library nights to the anticipation of Santa’s arrival. Settle in as Aaron reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and invites you to relive the joy, hope, and magic that make this night unforgettable.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve with Aaron Calafato as he shares a 7MS Cinema Remix of his cherished childhood memories and beloved family traditions, from magical library nights to the anticipation of Santa’s arrival. Settle in as Aaron reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and invites you to relive the joy, hope, and magic that make this night unforgettable.</p><p><br></p><p>Sound collaboration with <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring</a></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>459</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[16cff19e-bb50-11ef-9c53-4f6c010ff898]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6614899569.mp3?updated=1734320611" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>The Man and the Birds: A Christmas Tradition (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</title>
      <description>Join Aaron Calafato as he shares the timeless Christmas story, The Man and the Birds, a tale of compassion, understanding, and the true meaning of the season. Inspired by Paul Harvey's classic retelling, this heartfelt episode will leave you reflecting on the magic of Christmas Eve and the warmth of shared traditions.
*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.
According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Dec 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Man and the Birds: A Christmas Tradition (7MS Sunday Leftovers)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/437eedac-bb56-11ef-8b61-53532a53f752/image/7c8b56767076328422ef8c22bc9b103d.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join Aaron Calafato as he shares the timeless Christmas story, The Man and the Birds...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join Aaron Calafato as he shares the timeless Christmas story, The Man and the Birds, a tale of compassion, understanding, and the true meaning of the season. Inspired by Paul Harvey's classic retelling, this heartfelt episode will leave you reflecting on the magic of Christmas Eve and the warmth of shared traditions.
*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.
According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join Aaron Calafato as he shares the timeless Christmas story, <em>The Man and the Birds</em>, a tale of compassion, understanding, and the true meaning of the season. Inspired by Paul Harvey's classic retelling, this heartfelt episode will leave you reflecting on the magic of Christmas Eve and the warmth of shared traditions.</p><p>*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.</p><p>According to Radio legend <strong>Paul Harvey</strong>, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, <em>“The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”</em></p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>440</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[437eedac-bb56-11ef-8b61-53532a53f752]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7840662908.mp3?updated=1734320550" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In the Bleak Midwinter: A Story of Holiday Hope</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e17</link>
      <description>Do you find Christmas to be a time of joy or reflection? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, Aaron explores the bittersweet nature of the holiday season. Through reflections on It’s a Wonderful Life and personal anecdotes, this episode uncovers how embracing challenges can lead to renewed hope.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>In the Bleak Midwinter: A Story of Holiday Hope</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5bd58762-bb60-11ef-b67e-97c3bd9e8786/image/209ad00fdd92bbd4ad4b38dd35283f91.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, Aaron explores the bittersweet nature of the holiday season...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Do you find Christmas to be a time of joy or reflection? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, Aaron explores the bittersweet nature of the holiday season. Through reflections on It’s a Wonderful Life and personal anecdotes, this episode uncovers how embracing challenges can lead to renewed hope.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Do you find Christmas to be a time of joy or reflection? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, Aaron explores the bittersweet nature of the holiday season. Through reflections on <em>It’s a Wonderful Life</em> and personal anecdotes, this episode uncovers how embracing challenges can lead to renewed hope.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>552</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[5bd58762-bb60-11ef-b67e-97c3bd9e8786]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7266363370.mp3?updated=1734496235" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sam Elliot, Prancer and a Response to Virginia O'Hanlon</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e15</link>
      <description>Have you ever heard of the movie Prancer? In this special Christmas-themed episode, Aaron takes us back to a spontaneous, late-night recording on Christmas Eve, inspired by the classic film and the timeless letter to Virginia O'Hanlon. Listen as Aaron reflects on the magic of the holidays, shares heartfelt insights, and recites one of the most moving pieces ever written about Santa Claus. 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sam Elliot, Prancer and a Response to Virginia O'Hanlon</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/365ed08a-b82a-11ef-8863-9b44d8792442/image/97b050ed7f48356bd2fcdcedce436ceb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this special Christmas-themed episode, Aaron takes us back to a spontaneous, late-night recording on Christmas Eve</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Have you ever heard of the movie Prancer? In this special Christmas-themed episode, Aaron takes us back to a spontaneous, late-night recording on Christmas Eve, inspired by the classic film and the timeless letter to Virginia O'Hanlon. Listen as Aaron reflects on the magic of the holidays, shares heartfelt insights, and recites one of the most moving pieces ever written about Santa Claus. 

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Have you ever heard of the movie <em>Prancer</em>? In this special Christmas-themed episode, Aaron takes us back to a spontaneous, late-night recording on Christmas Eve, inspired by the classic film and the timeless letter to Virginia O'Hanlon. Listen as Aaron reflects on the magic of the holidays, shares heartfelt insights, and recites one of the most moving pieces ever written about Santa Claus. </p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>500</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[365ed08a-b82a-11ef-8863-9b44d8792442]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2035735352.mp3?updated=1736312306" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Virgin Mary, Vince McMahon, and the Montreal Screwjob of Storytelling</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e14</link>
      <description>Aaron recounts a mysterious encounter with what seemed to be the Virgin Mary and delves into the importance of proper endings in storytelling. Using the infamous Montreal Screwjob orchestrated by Vince McMahon as an example, this episode critiques unfinished narratives and celebrates the art of delivering a satisfying conclusion.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:34:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Virgin Mary, Vince McMahon, and the Montreal Screwjob of Storytelling</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/aefb86d2-b069-11ef-a314-cf7dcba8b4d1/image/3472b2a468ec58e1a35a635ef83d0622.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron recounts a mysterious encounter with what seemed to be the Virgin Mary and delves into the importance of proper endings in storytelling...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron recounts a mysterious encounter with what seemed to be the Virgin Mary and delves into the importance of proper endings in storytelling. Using the infamous Montreal Screwjob orchestrated by Vince McMahon as an example, this episode critiques unfinished narratives and celebrates the art of delivering a satisfying conclusion.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron recounts a mysterious encounter with what seemed to be the Virgin Mary and delves into the importance of proper endings in storytelling. Using the infamous Montreal Screwjob orchestrated by Vince McMahon as an example, this episode critiques unfinished narratives and celebrates the art of delivering a satisfying conclusion.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>447</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Our Haunted Bed &amp; Breakfast Adventure: A Tale of Echoes and Eggs on a Cloud</title>
      <description>What happens when you stay at a historic bed and breakfast rumored to be haunted? Join Aaron and Cori as they navigate a mysterious house, eerie noises, and a serene yet unsettling energy that shifts their perspective. From ghostly whispers to a breakfast like no other, this story combines humor, curiosity, and heartfelt reflections on the echoes of history that linger in unexpected places.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Dec 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Our Haunted Bed &amp; Breakfast Adventure: A Tale of Echoes and Eggs on a Cloud</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/433c596e-af9a-11ef-ad75-a7f3e87a2d80/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What happens when you stay at a historic bed and breakfast rumored to be haunted?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What happens when you stay at a historic bed and breakfast rumored to be haunted? Join Aaron and Cori as they navigate a mysterious house, eerie noises, and a serene yet unsettling energy that shifts their perspective. From ghostly whispers to a breakfast like no other, this story combines humor, curiosity, and heartfelt reflections on the echoes of history that linger in unexpected places.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What happens when you stay at a historic bed and breakfast rumored to be haunted? Join Aaron and Cori as they navigate a mysterious house, eerie noises, and a serene yet unsettling energy that shifts their perspective. From ghostly whispers to a breakfast like no other, this story combines humor, curiosity, and heartfelt reflections on the echoes of history that linger in unexpected places.</p><p><br></p><p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>966</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[433c596e-af9a-11ef-ad75-a7f3e87a2d80]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Journey into the Mist: A Niagara Falls Ending Fit for the Big Screen</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e13</link>
      <description>Aaron and Cori’s honeymoon at Niagara Falls takes a surprising turn when they meet a desperate father searching for his family. From parting a line of tourists to confronting personal fears, this episode weaves two unforgettable stories of love and resilience against the backdrop of one of the world’s natural wonders. Discover how a simple boat ride turned into a journey neither would ever forget.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Journey into the Mist: A Niagara Falls Ending Fit for the Big Screen</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/00cf53e8-ad3c-11ef-88eb-97e66fafc81c/image/ccb1da21a6ffe3673e1af6d231dff0dd.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron and Cori’s honeymoon at Niagara Falls takes a surprising turn when they meet a desperate father searching for his family.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron and Cori’s honeymoon at Niagara Falls takes a surprising turn when they meet a desperate father searching for his family. From parting a line of tourists to confronting personal fears, this episode weaves two unforgettable stories of love and resilience against the backdrop of one of the world’s natural wonders. Discover how a simple boat ride turned into a journey neither would ever forget.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron and Cori’s honeymoon at Niagara Falls takes a surprising turn when they meet a desperate father searching for his family. From parting a line of tourists to confronting personal fears, this episode weaves two unforgettable stories of love and resilience against the backdrop of one of the world’s natural wonders. Discover how a simple boat ride turned into a journey neither would ever forget.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Listener Questions Answered! (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </title>
      <description>In this episode Aaron answers some of your questions!
*If you'd like Aaron to answer your question on a future podcast, submit your questions HERE.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Listener Questions Answered! (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4f6fba38-a9c2-11ef-a0f0-979e9450f904/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode Aaron answers some of your questions!
*If you'd like Aaron to answer your question on a future podcast, submit your questions HERE.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode Aaron answers some of your questions!</p><p>*If you'd like Aaron to answer your question on a future podcast, submit your questions <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>905</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4f6fba38-a9c2-11ef-a0f0-979e9450f904]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5385000209.mp3?updated=1736312415" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Charlotte’s Web Part 2: The Rise of Boris!</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e12</link>
      <description>At just five years old, Aaron Calafato learned an unforgettable lesson about life from a spider, his mom, and the story of Charlotte’s Web. In this episode, he shares how that moment shaped his philosophy on kindness and the legacy he’s trying to pass on to his kids.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Charlotte’s Web Part 2: The Rise of Boris!</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bf7444e8-a6de-11ef-a63f-a3344f46e232/image/26807aac0ed2d6dd6034a5bf9a14c29b.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>At just five years old, Aaron Calafato learned an unforgettable lesson about life from a spider, his mom, and the story of Charlotte’s Web. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At just five years old, Aaron Calafato learned an unforgettable lesson about life from a spider, his mom, and the story of Charlotte’s Web. In this episode, he shares how that moment shaped his philosophy on kindness and the legacy he’s trying to pass on to his kids.

*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At just five years old, Aaron Calafato learned an unforgettable lesson about life from a spider, his mom, and the story of Charlotte’s Web. In this episode, he shares how that moment shaped his philosophy on kindness and the legacy he’s trying to pass on to his kids.</p><p><br></p><p>*We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>*Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>*Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, <a href="https://www.aaroncalafato.com/">talk to Aaron! </a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>504</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[bf7444e8-a6de-11ef-a63f-a3344f46e232]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8734585428.mp3?updated=1732066528" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Diagnosis: A Story of Resilience and Grace</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e11</link>
      <description>Aaron revisits a powerful story of resilience as Juan Caminero shares his journey from an initial misdiagnosis to facing a life-altering diagnosis. Juan’s story takes us through the pain, uncertainty, and courage it took to confront his greatest fears. Join us for this compelling episode about strength and the quiet grace that emerges when life takes unexpected turns.

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Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Diagnosis: A Story of Resilience and Grace</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e2456228-a23c-11ef-b257-23657fcfab24/image/7875e3ee7b243dace80c3f91b5b6abe0.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron revisits a powerful story of resilience as Juan Caminero shares his journey from an initial misdiagnosis to facing a life-altering diagnosis. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron revisits a powerful story of resilience as Juan Caminero shares his journey from an initial misdiagnosis to facing a life-altering diagnosis. Juan’s story takes us through the pain, uncertainty, and courage it took to confront his greatest fears. Join us for this compelling episode about strength and the quiet grace that emerges when life takes unexpected turns.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron revisits a powerful story of resilience as Juan Caminero shares his journey from an initial misdiagnosis to facing a life-altering diagnosis. Juan’s story takes us through the pain, uncertainty, and courage it took to confront his greatest fears. Join us for this compelling episode about strength and the quiet grace that emerges when life takes unexpected turns.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>618</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e2456228-a23c-11ef-b257-23657fcfab24]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2321882653.mp3?updated=1736312427" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bombay vs. Riley: My ‘Mighty Ducks’ Story (7MS Cinema) </title>
      <description>This special 7MS Cinema edition revisits Aaron's unforgettable story of Coach T, a figure from his past whose influence—part mentor, part antagonist—paralleled the iconic rivalry between Coach Bombay &amp; Coach Riley from The Mighty Ducks.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 10 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Bombay vs. Riley: My ‘Mighty Ducks’ Story (7MS Cinema) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0b12b6f2-9ac1-11ef-b714-17774b6408a4/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron's unforgettable story of Coach T, a figure from his past whose influence—part mentor, part antagonist—paralleled the iconic rivalry between Coach Bombay &amp; Coach Riley from The Mighty Ducks.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This special 7MS Cinema edition revisits Aaron's unforgettable story of Coach T, a figure from his past whose influence—part mentor, part antagonist—paralleled the iconic rivalry between Coach Bombay &amp; Coach Riley from The Mighty Ducks.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This special 7MS Cinema edition revisits Aaron's unforgettable story of Coach T, a figure from his past whose influence—part mentor, part antagonist—paralleled the iconic rivalry between Coach Bombay &amp; Coach Riley from <em>The Mighty Ducks</em>.</p><p><br></p><p>Sound collaboration with <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>645</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0b12b6f2-9ac1-11ef-b714-17774b6408a4]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6752451839.mp3?updated=1731192263" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>When Should the Christmas Season Begin?</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e10</link>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron dives into the age-old debate: when is it really okay to start celebrating Christmas? For some, November 1st signals the holiday season’s arrival, while others feel Thanksgiving deserves its own time to shine. Aaron shares a story that might just challenge listeners' holiday traditions—lines may be drawn, but it’s all in good spirit!

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Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>When Should the Christmas Season Begin?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e1c88a7c-9cac-11ef-93ef-37a20c01fec9/image/d2d5747d91435346c8c034990417980e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron dives into the age-old debate: when is it really okay to start celebrating Christmas? </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron dives into the age-old debate: when is it really okay to start celebrating Christmas? For some, November 1st signals the holiday season’s arrival, while others feel Thanksgiving deserves its own time to shine. Aaron shares a story that might just challenge listeners' holiday traditions—lines may be drawn, but it’s all in good spirit!

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron dives into the age-old debate: when is it <em>really</em> okay to start celebrating Christmas? For some, November 1st signals the holiday season’s arrival, while others feel Thanksgiving deserves its own time to shine. Aaron shares a story that might just challenge listeners' holiday traditions—lines may be drawn, but it’s all in good spirit!</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>587</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thomas Nicholas (Rookie of the Year &amp; American Pie Movies): Talks Music Career, Film, Acting with Mickey Rourke, and 90s Nostalgia</title>
      <description>In this special episode of 7 Minute Stories Sunday Leftovers, Thomas Ian Nicholas—star of Rookie of the Year and the American Pie movies—joins us to share his journey from iconic 90s films to a thriving music career. From memorable scenes with Mickey Rourke to his latest album and 115-show tour, Thomas dives into the highs and challenges of balancing film and music. 

Special Guest: Thomas Nicholas

See Thomas Nicholas Band Live 11.7.24 @ House of Blues Cleveland 

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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Nov 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Thomas Nicholas (Rookie of the Year &amp; American Pie Movies): Talks Music Career, Film, Acting with Mickey Rourke, and 90s Nostalgia</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f35eeb04-994c-11ef-891a-a3d927b7096b/image/283adfaa6674f7ef3775b51c41130529.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Thomas Nicholas (Rookie of the Year &amp; American Pie Movies): Talks Music Career, Film, Acting with Mickey Rourke, and 90s Nostalgia</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this special episode of 7 Minute Stories Sunday Leftovers, Thomas Ian Nicholas—star of Rookie of the Year and the American Pie movies—joins us to share his journey from iconic 90s films to a thriving music career. From memorable scenes with Mickey Rourke to his latest album and 115-show tour, Thomas dives into the highs and challenges of balancing film and music. 

Special Guest: Thomas Nicholas

See Thomas Nicholas Band Live 11.7.24 @ House of Blues Cleveland 

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this special episode of <em>7 Minute Stories Sunday Leftovers</em>, Thomas Ian Nicholas—star of <em>Rookie of the Year</em> and the <em>American Pie</em> movies—joins us to share his journey from iconic 90s films to a thriving music career. From memorable scenes with Mickey Rourke to his latest album and 115-show tour, Thomas dives into the highs and challenges of balancing film and music. </p><p><br></p><p>Special Guest: <a href="https://www.tinicholas.com/music">Thomas Nicholas</a></p><p><br></p><p>See Thomas Nicholas Band Live 11.7.24 @ <a href="https://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/-2853509351631588171">House of Blues Cleveland </a></p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1195</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f35eeb04-994c-11ef-891a-a3d927b7096b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4312470565.mp3?updated=1730603640" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Trapped in a Haunted House: When a Classroom Became a Nightmare</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e9</link>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron recalls the Halloween his fifth-grade classroom transformed into a haunted house nightmare. What began as a fun escape became a journey through fear, as he found himself trapped in darkness, facing more than just jump scares.

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Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

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YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:17:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Trapped in a Haunted House: When a Classroom Became a Nightmare</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e15ba4a0-9641-11ef-96ae-e7fb11657654/image/8ccebd01d4a63a26df43ed999c522564.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron recalls the Halloween his fifth-grade classroom transformed into a haunted house nightmare. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron recalls the Halloween his fifth-grade classroom transformed into a haunted house nightmare. What began as a fun escape became a journey through fear, as he found himself trapped in darkness, facing more than just jump scares.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...

Instagram 

IG Threads 

YouTube


Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron recalls the Halloween his fifth-grade classroom transformed into a haunted house nightmare. What began as a fun escape became a journey through fear, as he found himself trapped in darkness, facing more than just jump scares.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on...</p><ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aaronccalafato/">Instagram </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">IG Threads </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1">YouTube</a></li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>529</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e15ba4a0-9641-11ef-96ae-e7fb11657654]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN5266956552.mp3?updated=1730603595" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Stairway to Heaven: The Father-Daughter Dance Air Guitar Competition (7MS Cinema) </title>
      <description>Get a taste of the stories behind the 7 Minute Stories with Sunday Leftovers—special episodes, untold tales, and the behind-the-scenes moments that bring Aaron's storytelling to life!
This week: At a father-daughter dance, Aaron faces off in an unforgettable air guitar competition set to Stairway to Heaven, channeling rock legends to create a moment his daughter—and the crowd—will never forget.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 27 Oct 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Stairway to Heaven: The Father-Daughter Dance Air Guitar Competition (7MS Cinema) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c00100b0-8a7b-11ef-aa2a-274d423f0de7/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week: At a father-daughter dance, Aaron faces off in an unforgettable air guitar competition...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Get a taste of the stories behind the 7 Minute Stories with Sunday Leftovers—special episodes, untold tales, and the behind-the-scenes moments that bring Aaron's storytelling to life!
This week: At a father-daughter dance, Aaron faces off in an unforgettable air guitar competition set to Stairway to Heaven, channeling rock legends to create a moment his daughter—and the crowd—will never forget.

Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Get a taste of the stories behind the 7 Minute Stories with <em>Sunday Leftovers</em>—special episodes, untold tales, and the behind-the-scenes moments that bring Aaron's storytelling to life!</strong></p><p>This week: At a father-daughter dance, Aaron faces off in an unforgettable air guitar competition set to <em>Stairway to Heaven</em>, channeling rock legends to create a moment his daughter—and the crowd—will never forget.</p><p><br></p><p>Sound collaboration with <a href="https://www.producerisaac.com/">Isaac Gehring</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt</p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>655</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c00100b0-8a7b-11ef-aa2a-274d423f0de7]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4852486505.mp3?updated=1734316470" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SEAGULLS! (Stop It Now): Super Kmart, Memories, and Medina’s Lost Landmark</title>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron takes an unexpected turn, exploring the strange connection between Seagulls and Super Kmart parking lots. Dive into a story that blends nostalgia and the mysteries of Medina, Ohio.
Follow Aaron on Threads</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>SEAGULLS! (Stop It Now): Super Kmart, Memories, and Medina’s Lost Landmark</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d977b22c-91b6-11ef-aec0-c3593737f41c/image/895875fcd2b1de82e78eb46266f9780f.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron takes an unexpected turn, exploring the strange connection between Seagulls and Super Kmart parking lots.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron takes an unexpected turn, exploring the strange connection between Seagulls and Super Kmart parking lots. Dive into a story that blends nostalgia and the mysteries of Medina, Ohio.
Follow Aaron on Threads</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron takes an unexpected turn, exploring the strange connection between Seagulls and Super Kmart parking lots. Dive into a story that blends nostalgia and the mysteries of Medina, Ohio.</p><p><a href="https://www.threads.net/@aaronccalafato">Follow Aaron on Threads </a></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>570</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d977b22c-91b6-11ef-aec0-c3593737f41c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7942131050.mp3?updated=1736312514" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What the Hell Was That? A Midnight Mystery in the Sky </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e7</link>
      <description>Aaron and his wife, Cori, stood under the midnight sky when they witnessed something unforgettable. Was it a UFO? A rogue meteor? Or something even stranger? In this episode, Aaron unravels the mystery of that night, diving into the possibility of life beyond Earth, blending cosmic curiosity with a deep pursuit of truth.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:17:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>What the Hell Was That? A Midnight Mystery in the Sky</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0ceefbc0-8c3e-11ef-a610-c32298206470/image/e1809ce97bb0b611f08189fc1e0ff3a2.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>. Was it a UFO? A rogue meteor? Or something even stranger?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron and his wife, Cori, stood under the midnight sky when they witnessed something unforgettable. Was it a UFO? A rogue meteor? Or something even stranger? In this episode, Aaron unravels the mystery of that night, diving into the possibility of life beyond Earth, blending cosmic curiosity with a deep pursuit of truth.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron and his wife, Cori, stood under the midnight sky when they witnessed something unforgettable. Was it a UFO? A rogue meteor? Or something even stranger? In this episode, Aaron unravels the mystery of that night, diving into the possibility of life beyond Earth, blending cosmic curiosity with a deep pursuit of truth.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>518</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0ceefbc0-8c3e-11ef-a610-c32298206470]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>IKEA, Tupperware, and Mispronunciations | Cori &amp; Aaron's 7MS Sunday Leftovers</title>
      <description>Recorded live at Keller Cafe in Medina, Ohio, this episode of 7 Minute Stories dives into the nostalgic world of mispronunciations. Join Aaron and Cori Calafato as they share humorous stories about IKEA and Tupperware &amp; the common (and often hilarious) ways they've both mispronounced things wrong their entire life.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Oct 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>IKEA, Tupperware, and Mispronunciations | Cori &amp; Aaron's 7MS Sunday Leftovers</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d466d03c-84c9-11ef-9213-f371189f0aa5/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> Join Aaron and Cori Calafato as they share humorous stories about IKEA and Tupperware &amp; the common ways they've both mispronounced things wrong their entire life....</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Recorded live at Keller Cafe in Medina, Ohio, this episode of 7 Minute Stories dives into the nostalgic world of mispronunciations. Join Aaron and Cori Calafato as they share humorous stories about IKEA and Tupperware &amp; the common (and often hilarious) ways they've both mispronounced things wrong their entire life.

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Recorded live at <a href="https://www.keller-market.com/cafe-bistro">Keller Cafe</a> in Medina, Ohio, this episode of <em>7 Minute Stories</em> dives into the nostalgic world of mispronunciations. Join Aaron and Cori Calafato as they share humorous stories about IKEA and Tupperware &amp; the common (and often hilarious) ways they've both mispronounced things wrong their entire life.</p><p><br></p><p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1010</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Dress That Connected Us: A Story of Unexpected Encounters</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e6</link>
      <description>When Aaron’s wife, Cori, slipped into a vintage dress, he had no idea it would turn their laid-back Saturday at the farmer’s market into something unforgettable. From unexpected compliments to a stranger’s tear-filled story, this episode takes you on a journey of how one dress became a doorway to the past—connecting them to memories they never knew existed.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
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Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Dress That Connected Us: A Story of Unexpected Encounters</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cb6ab91e-85e4-11ef-9b52-e37616f97226/image/a919fd9efc6a16344fa9c9d405bba652.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When Aaron’s wife, Cori, slipped into a vintage dress, he had no idea it would turn their laid-back Saturday at the farmer’s market into something unforgettable...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When Aaron’s wife, Cori, slipped into a vintage dress, he had no idea it would turn their laid-back Saturday at the farmer’s market into something unforgettable. From unexpected compliments to a stranger’s tear-filled story, this episode takes you on a journey of how one dress became a doorway to the past—connecting them to memories they never knew existed.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When Aaron’s wife, Cori, slipped into a vintage dress, he had no idea it would turn their laid-back Saturday at the farmer’s market into something unforgettable. From unexpected compliments to a stranger’s tear-filled story, this episode takes you on a journey of how one dress became a doorway to the past—connecting them to memories they never knew existed.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>528</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cb6ab91e-85e4-11ef-9b52-e37616f97226]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Breakfast Ritual: A Mother’s Love Laminated in Receipts (S5 E5)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e5</link>
      <description>In this episode Aaron shares a story about a family friend: In 1990, a young boy’s world changed forever when his father suddenly disappeared, leaving his mother to hold the family together with double shifts and a simple morning ritual. Decades later, during a strained Thanksgiving reunion, the son discovers a small but profound reminder of those quiet mornings—a gesture that speaks louder than words ever could. This episode explores the power of routine and how even the smallest gestures can bridge the gap between past and present.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Breakfast Ritual: A Mother’s Love Laminated in Receipts (S5 E5)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/25fea692-80ef-11ef-928d-1be4299c54c6/image/ec933aa704d703944f89da1d484cdbfb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 1990, a young boy’s world changed forever when his father suddenly disappeared...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode Aaron shares a story about a family friend: In 1990, a young boy’s world changed forever when his father suddenly disappeared, leaving his mother to hold the family together with double shifts and a simple morning ritual. Decades later, during a strained Thanksgiving reunion, the son discovers a small but profound reminder of those quiet mornings—a gesture that speaks louder than words ever could. This episode explores the power of routine and how even the smallest gestures can bridge the gap between past and present.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode Aaron shares a story about a family friend: In 1990, a young boy’s world changed forever when his father suddenly disappeared, leaving his mother to hold the family together with double shifts and a simple morning ritual. Decades later, during a strained Thanksgiving reunion, the son discovers a small but profound reminder of those quiet mornings—a gesture that speaks louder than words ever could. This episode explores the power of routine and how even the smallest gestures can bridge the gap between past and present.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>508</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[25fea692-80ef-11ef-928d-1be4299c54c6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Adult Entertainment, Terrible Bosses and Oscar Winners (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </title>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron shares three stories from another podcast he co-created, hosts, and produces: Glassdoor’s The Lonely Office

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 29 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Adult Entertainment, Terrible Bosses and Oscar Winners (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7a45a54e-6ca8-11ef-84aa-db6377b345b9/image/8c2ee94df71ee5be042d1a80572ddd28.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron shares three stories from another podcast he co-created, hosts, and produces: Glassdoor’s The Lonely Office</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron shares three stories from another podcast he co-created, hosts, and produces: Glassdoor’s The Lonely Office

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by: autopolitan

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron shares three stories from another podcast he co-created, hosts, and produces: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lonely-office/id1673821227"><strong>Glassdoor’s The Lonely Office</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by:<a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/"> autopolitan</a></p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>734</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Billy Madison OR I'm Not a Little Boy! (S5 E4)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e4</link>
      <description>Aaron reflects on his childhood obsession with growing up too fast, culminating in a humiliating moment when he got stuck on a giant slide, embarrassed in front of an entire amusement park. Through this and other stories, he shares how he learned the hard way that adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Billy Madison OR I'm Not a Little Boy! (S5 E4)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/969a65fa-7b70-11ef-9c8b-d70e36a2528b/image/1f1eb72995f92e82b9e8c2f91d8ed844.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron reflects on his childhood obsession with growing up too fast...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron reflects on his childhood obsession with growing up too fast, culminating in a humiliating moment when he got stuck on a giant slide, embarrassed in front of an entire amusement park. Through this and other stories, he shares how he learned the hard way that adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be.

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron reflects on his childhood obsession with growing up too fast, culminating in a humiliating moment when he got stuck on a giant slide, embarrassed in front of an entire amusement park. Through this and other stories, he shares how he learned the hard way that adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>533</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[969a65fa-7b70-11ef-9c8b-d70e36a2528b]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Gun (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </title>
      <description>In this episode Aaron shares an original 7 Minute Story that was adapted for the hit storytelling show RISK!



Link to the original episode:

https://www.risk-show.com/podcast/coming-of-age/

Song: In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel



Follow RISK! Wherever you get podcasts.



Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by

autopolitan

https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Good Son (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0bcd757e-6a78-11ef-b79b-0be61ddd6deb/image/aaaf0ec6808a3a76b6142c9fd380f428.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode Aaron shares an original 7 Minute Story that was adapted for the hit storytelling show RISK!



Link to the original episode:

https://www.risk-show.com/podcast/coming-of-age/

Song: In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel



Follow RISK! Wherever you get podcasts.



Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by

autopolitan

https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode Aaron shares an original 7 Minute Story that was adapted for the hit storytelling show RISK!</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Link to the original episode:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.risk-show.com/podcast/coming-of-age/">https://www.risk-show.com/podcast/coming-of-age/</a></p>
<p>Song: In Your Eyes by <a href="https://petergabriel.com/">Peter Gabriel</a></p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Follow <a href="https://www.risk-show.com/listen/">RISK! </a>Wherever you get podcasts.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by</p>
<p>autopolitan</p>
<p><a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/">https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1156</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Robotic Surgeon vs. Jazz-Loving Doctor: My Dad’s Battle with Knee Pain (S5 E3)</title>
      <description>Aaron tells the story of his father’s two-decade struggle with knee pain and the pivotal moment he had to choose between a robotic-assisted surgeon and an old-school doctor who had a love for jazz...

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Robotic Surgeon vs. Jazz-Loving Doctor: My Dad’s Battle with Knee Pain (S5 E3)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e77c3a3e-75d5-11ef-af32-8324aa9d2860/image/8c1674e264aa5f4090190505a45ae152.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron tells the story of his father’s two-decade struggle with knee pain and the pivotal moment he had to choose between a robotic-assisted surgeon and an old-school doctor who had a love for jazz</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron tells the story of his father’s two-decade struggle with knee pain and the pivotal moment he had to choose between a robotic-assisted surgeon and an old-school doctor who had a love for jazz...

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron tells the story of his father’s two-decade struggle with knee pain and the pivotal moment he had to choose between a robotic-assisted surgeon and an old-school doctor who had a love for jazz...</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>554</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e77c3a3e-75d5-11ef-af32-8324aa9d2860]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8811919782.mp3?updated=1727989849" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A James Earl Jones Tribute &amp; More! (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </title>
      <description>This weekend, Aaron pays tribute to the late James Earl Jones and shares Jay Crawford's (formerly ESPN) story about a father, son and baseball.

James Earl Jones
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Earl_Jones

Jay Crawford
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Crawford

Here more about Art LaFleur on 7MS
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e15

Field of Dreams
Based on Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella
Production: Gordon Company
Distributed by: Universal Pictures (United States) &amp; Carolco Pictures (International)</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A James Earl Jones Tribute &amp; More! (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/10caf7a0-6fcc-11ef-9eeb-a3f3ce110993/image/b59d0598dbe69c999774f54d86adadee.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This weekend, Aaron pays tribute to the late James Earl Jones and shares Jay Crawford's (formerly ESPN) story about a father, son and baseball...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This weekend, Aaron pays tribute to the late James Earl Jones and shares Jay Crawford's (formerly ESPN) story about a father, son and baseball.

James Earl Jones
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Earl_Jones

Jay Crawford
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Crawford

Here more about Art LaFleur on 7MS
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e15

Field of Dreams
Based on Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella
Production: Gordon Company
Distributed by: Universal Pictures (United States) &amp; Carolco Pictures (International)</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This weekend, Aaron pays tribute to the late James Earl Jones and shares Jay Crawford's (formerly ESPN) story about a father, son and baseball.</p><p><br></p><p>James Earl Jones</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Earl_Jones">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Earl_Jones</a></p><p><br></p><p>Jay Crawford</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Crawford">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Crawford</a></p><p><br></p><p>Here more about Art LaFleur on 7MS</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e15">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e15</a></p><p><br></p><p>Field of Dreams</p><p>Based on Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella</p><p>Production: Gordon Company</p><p>Distributed by: Universal Pictures (United States) &amp; Carolco Pictures (International)</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1009</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[10caf7a0-6fcc-11ef-9eeb-a3f3ce110993]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chinese Food: A Story About Family, Culture, and Connection (S5 E2) </title>
      <description>A simple lunch at a Chinese restaurant leads Aaron into a world of hidden stories, unexpected connections, and a journey that was much more than just Chinese food. 

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Chinese Food: A Story About Family, Culture, and Connection (S5 E2) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1c4dbdee-70b0-11ef-99f6-4bd4850c259c/image/158434bf6a05884fa6179f5166a9a0e9.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A simple lunch at a Chinese restaurant leads Aaron into a world of hidden stories, unexpected connections, and a journey that was much more than just Chinese food. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A simple lunch at a Chinese restaurant leads Aaron into a world of hidden stories, unexpected connections, and a journey that was much more than just Chinese food. 

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A simple lunch at a Chinese restaurant leads Aaron into a world of hidden stories, unexpected connections, and a journey that was much more than just Chinese food. </p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>512</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1c4dbdee-70b0-11ef-99f6-4bd4850c259c]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Summer 2024 Recap (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </title>
      <description>This Sunday my wife Cori and I recap another beautifully complicated summer at a local cafe.

Thanks Keller Kafe Bistro for hosting our live chat!
https://www.keller-market.com/cafe-bistro

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by
autopolitan
https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Sep 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Summer 2024 Recap (7MS Sunday Leftovers) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/475e7c3a-6a66-11ef-bbb2-8b5054c709bb/image/b59d0598dbe69c999774f54d86adadee.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This Sunday my wife Cori and I recap another beautifully complicated summer at a local cafe. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This Sunday my wife Cori and I recap another beautifully complicated summer at a local cafe.

Thanks Keller Kafe Bistro for hosting our live chat!
https://www.keller-market.com/cafe-bistro

Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by
autopolitan
https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This Sunday my wife Cori and I recap another beautifully complicated summer at a local cafe.</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks Keller Kafe Bistro for hosting our live chat!</p><p><a href="https://www.keller-market.com/cafe-bistro">https://www.keller-market.com/cafe-bistro</a></p><p><br></p><p>Original Intro &amp; Outro Music by</p><p>autopolitan</p><p><a href="https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/">https://autopolitan.bandcamp.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1416</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>Pizza Hut, TMNT and the Year of Books (S5 E1) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s5e1</link>
      <description>In the Season 5 premiere of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron takes us back to his childhood in Ohio, where a VHS tape of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie led him to an unexpected discovery...

Original Song 'Right Field" by Peter, Paul &amp; Mary
Performed by Willy Welch

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:20:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Pizza Hut, TMNT and the Year of Books </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>5</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/27789cb6-6b33-11ef-8e0a-0f3fa28251ca/image/7e4e6ca4c53d36949a348276fd4dde89.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In the Season 5 premiere of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron takes us back to his childhood in Ohio, where a VHS tape of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie led him to an unexpected discovery...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In the Season 5 premiere of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron takes us back to his childhood in Ohio, where a VHS tape of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie led him to an unexpected discovery...

Original Song 'Right Field" by Peter, Paul &amp; Mary
Performed by Willy Welch

We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Calafato
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In the Season 5 premiere of <em>7 Minute Stories</em>, Aaron takes us back to his childhood in Ohio, where a VHS tape of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie led him to an unexpected discovery...</p><p><br></p><p>Original Song 'Right Field" by Peter, Paul &amp; Mary</p><p>Performed by Willy Welch</p><p><br></p><p>We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Calafato</p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>528</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>The Apartment from Hell  </title>
      <description>Aaron thought this new apartment would be his launchpad to success, but it quickly turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Apartment from Hell  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5d60e000-658d-11ef-bdd3-9b3f2f5ba093/image/be78cf98286ab1d441f21f49fbdafcaa.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron thought this new apartment would be his launchpad to success, but it quickly turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron thought this new apartment would be his launchpad to success, but it quickly turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>7MS Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>515</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>Dad Jokes and Redemption in the High School Cafeteria</title>
      <description>Little did Aaron know that a delicious potato bar would be the setting for one of the most formative experiences in his high school career...

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Dad Jokes and Redemption in the High School Cafeteria</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a5fb81ce-5e4b-11ef-9b20-17f9008652ec/image/f4e570f35808c014c314d6af0ce374db.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Little did Aaron know that a delicious potato bar would be the setting for one of the most formative experiences in his high school career...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Little did Aaron know that a delicious potato bar would be the setting for one of the most formative experiences in his high school career...

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Little did Aaron know that a delicious potato bar would be the setting for one of the most formative experiences in his high school career...</p><p><br></p><p><strong>7MS Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>567</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>90s Legends: My 'Rookie of the Year' Story</title>
      <description>First, some shout-outs to three of our loyal listeners, followed by a story about a broken family, America’s pastime, and how an iconic '90s film (and its star) became a recurring motif in my life.

*Note - The story portion today's episode was recorded before the (then) Cleveland Indians Baseball Team had officially changed their name to the (now) Cleveland Guardians.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>90s Legends: My 'Rookie of the Year' Story</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a484acde-59b0-11ef-9eb5-2358be27dc72/image/4a0b6eefc3d5802c29e30bfb5144f3ec.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>First, some shout-outs to three of our loyal listeners, followed by a story about a broken family, America’s pastime, and how an iconic '90s film (and its star) became a recurring motif in my life.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>First, some shout-outs to three of our loyal listeners, followed by a story about a broken family, America’s pastime, and how an iconic '90s film (and its star) became a recurring motif in my life.

*Note - The story portion today's episode was recorded before the (then) Cleveland Indians Baseball Team had officially changed their name to the (now) Cleveland Guardians.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

7MS Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>First, some shout-outs to three of our loyal listeners, followed by a story about a broken family, America’s pastime, and how an iconic '90s film (and its star) became a recurring motif in my life.</p><p><br></p><p><em>*Note - The story portion today's episode was recorded before the (then) Cleveland Indians Baseball Team had officially changed their name to the (now) Cleveland Guardians.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>7MS Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>706</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>When an 80-year-old Veteran Veteran Loses a Wallet... </title>
      <description>A young man finds an 80-year-old Veteran’s wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:01:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>When an 80-year-old Veteran Veteran Loses a Wallet... </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c2630a44-54ff-11ef-b226-773c45903460/image/3703e5036555110e1393769e4e012648.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A young man finds an 80-year-old Veteran’s wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A young man finds an 80-year-old Veteran’s wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A young man finds an 80-year-old Veteran’s wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
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    <item>
      <title> Taco Bell &amp; Time Machines: A Suburban Tale </title>
      <description>A story about Taco Bell and it's connective tissue to suburban youth.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Taco Bell &amp; Time Machines: A Suburban Tale </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1e043008-4f74-11ef-87ae-539808b9af2a/image/1d5f00f0806160b46d0a1b6bf300913a.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A story about Taco Bell and it's connective tissue to suburban youth.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story about Taco Bell and it's connective tissue to suburban youth.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
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      <title>Larry King, FDR and Other Ghosts </title>
      <description>An unexpected visit to my grandmother’s house conjures the ghost of Larry King and reshapes the memory of the woman I thought I knew.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Larry King and other Ghosts </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2da248c4-4902-11ef-af5f-cfa78bdee4ad/image/d98972e5d663d393455b3135e20ce8d6.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>An unexpected visit to my grandmother’s house conjures the ghost of Larry King and reshapes the memory of  the woman I thought I knew. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An unexpected visit to my grandmother’s house conjures the ghost of Larry King and reshapes the memory of the woman I thought I knew.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An unexpected visit to my grandmother’s house conjures the ghost of Larry King and reshapes the memory of the woman I thought I knew.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>540</itunes:duration>
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      <title>A Strange Week in America OR Life as a House </title>
      <description>Aaron had 7 minutes before he needed to come inside and put his kids to bed. Just enough time to discover something incredible radiating from inside his house.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Strange Week in America OR Life as a House </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c702b884-43ab-11ef-9461-236ef8d51078/image/e52a93d9f2cf82ff51d8771622d3bb30.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron had 7 minutes before he needed to come inside and put his kids to bed. Just enough time to discover something incredible radiating from inside his house.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron had 7 minutes before he needed to come inside and put his kids to bed. Just enough time to discover something incredible radiating from inside his house.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September! 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron had 7 minutes before he needed to come inside and put his kids to bed. Just enough time to discover something incredible radiating from inside his house.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Season 5 starts this September! </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>624</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>Looking for Jesus </title>
      <description>When Aaron looked in the rearview mirror, all he could see was the car about to hit him. The next thing he knew, he was caught somewhere between a spiritual experience and a reality television show.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September!  

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Looking for Jesus </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d51dfeb8-3f25-11ef-b1df-cf33e5254eb1/image/15a324cefffc9be0e711d4ff072cbdba.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When Aaron looked in the rearview mirror, all he could see was the car about to hit him...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When Aaron looked in the rearview mirror, all he could see was the car about to hit him. The next thing he knew, he was caught somewhere between a spiritual experience and a reality television show.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

Season 5 starts this September!  

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When Aaron looked in the rearview mirror, all he could see was the car about to hit him. The next thing he knew, he was caught somewhere between a spiritual experience and a reality television show.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Season 5 starts this September!  </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>479</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>I Have to See About a Girl or The Legend of the Ice Cream Sandwich</title>
      <description>Aaron's second-grade year. An elementary lunchroom. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. Local history would be made as he courted an older woman for the first time…

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:54:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>I Have to See About a Girl or The Legend of the Ice Cream Sandwich</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron's second-grade year. An elementary lunchroom. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. Local history would be made as he courted an older woman for the first time…</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron's second-grade year. An elementary lunchroom. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. Local history would be made as he courted an older woman for the first time…

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron's second-grade year. An elementary lunchroom. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. Local history would be made as he courted an older woman for the first time…</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>490</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Forget It, Jake, It's Chinatown</title>
      <description>A mysterious late-night call promises the chance of a lifetime, but reality may have another twist... Join Aaron on a "surreal" journey from his podcast studio to the hills of L.A.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Forget It, Jake, It's Chinatown</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7075fe6e-3270-11ef-8149-8709cf4b4698/image/44822c18de76a5339756d02bdb4d557a.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A mysterious late-night call promises the chance of a lifetime, but reality may have another twist...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A mysterious late-night call promises the chance of a lifetime, but reality may have another twist... Join Aaron on a "surreal" journey from his podcast studio to the hills of L.A.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A mysterious late-night call promises the chance of a lifetime, but reality may have another twist... Join Aaron on a "surreal" journey from his podcast studio to the hills of L.A.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>526</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Suburban Basketball Diaries</title>
      <description>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip to the emergency room…

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:28:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Suburban Basketball Diaries</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7d4d5188-2e50-11ef-a9f3-23e36d1df440/image/76d21c8a1fb64323a82e9d1f87eecafe.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip to the emergency room…</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip to the emergency room…

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip to the emergency room…</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>515</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E38: The Legend of Mr. Sheep (Season 4 Finale) </title>
      <description>In this Season 4 finale, Aaron takes a nostalgic journey back to the early '90s. Join him as he pretends to be a priest, watches his grandmother order an unthinkable dish at Friendly's restaurant, and helps track down a mysterious soccer coach named Mr. Sheep.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Special Guest Artist: Luci's Vibe
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Legend of Mr. Sheep (Season 4 Finale) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/24a08498-292c-11ef-bd96-cf247098046a/image/364a79108692d1c3013805da844cd8a1.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this Season 4 finale, Aaron takes a nostalgic journey back to the early '90s...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this Season 4 finale, Aaron takes a nostalgic journey back to the early '90s. Join him as he pretends to be a priest, watches his grandmother order an unthinkable dish at Friendly's restaurant, and helps track down a mysterious soccer coach named Mr. Sheep.

Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - 7MS: The Best of Season 1 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Special Guest Artist: Luci's Vibe
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this Season 4 finale, Aaron takes a nostalgic journey back to the early '90s. Join him as he pretends to be a priest, watches his grandmother order an unthinkable dish at Friendly's restaurant, and helps track down a mysterious soccer coach named Mr. Sheep.</p><p><br></p><p>Stay tuned every Thursday all summer long for - <strong>7MS: The Best of Season 1 </strong></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Special Guest Artist: Luci's Vibe</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>510</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E37: Take Your Damn Space </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e37</link>
      <description>Is it Aaron Calafato or Tony Robbins? Either way, enjoy this special message for our 7MS listeners. 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Take Your Damn Space </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4242caa6-236e-11ef-b3dd-c3b43852c246/image/fa226260f39dc5e6aa4959384d2ee756.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Is it Aaron Calafato or Tony Robbins? Either way, enjoy this special message for our 7MS listeners. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Is it Aaron Calafato or Tony Robbins? Either way, enjoy this special message for our 7MS listeners. 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Is it Aaron Calafato or Tony Robbins? Either way, enjoy this special message for our 7MS listeners. </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>496</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/secretidentity</link>
      <description>7MS Presents: Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story

About: Join viral storyteller Aaron Calafato (7 Minute Stories, Glassdoor's The Lonely Office) as he delves into the journey of filmmaker Rob Montague, who is on a mission to create a unique and compelling film about the creators of Superman. Discover the passion and urgency behind Rob's decade-long project, "Secret Identity," a multifaceted documentary and narrative that intertwines animation, live-action, and the stories of three fans journeying to Cleveland. Hear about the trials and tribulations faced by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and why Rob believes now is the pivotal moment to honor their legacy. With a backdrop of cinematic history and personal perseverance, this episode promises to inspire and captivate as it chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the origins of an iconic superhero. Tune in to witness how one filmmaker's vision strives to ignite a new wave of inspiration and hope through the timeless legacy of Superman.

Follow Rob Montague and Watch the Secret Identity trailer:
https://latemorningfilms.com/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 

Special Thanks:
Rob Montague

Additional Thanks:
Tasmin Humphries (The Aspiring Kryptonian) 
https://theaspiringkryptonian.com/
Luke Bugg (The Geek of Steel) 
https://linktr.ee/TheGeekOfSteel
Kibla Ahmed 
https://kiblaahmedart.com/

Superman and all related characters and elements are trademarks and © of DC Comics</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cdfc376e-1dc7-11ef-bafd-7b957e19daec/image/8685e3e457dadaaf2fe661942362764d.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join viral storyteller Aaron Calafato (7 Minute Stories, Glassdoor's The Lonely Office) as he delves into the journey of filmmaker Rob Montague, who is on a mission to create a unique and compelling film about the creators of Superman.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>7MS Presents: Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story

About: Join viral storyteller Aaron Calafato (7 Minute Stories, Glassdoor's The Lonely Office) as he delves into the journey of filmmaker Rob Montague, who is on a mission to create a unique and compelling film about the creators of Superman. Discover the passion and urgency behind Rob's decade-long project, "Secret Identity," a multifaceted documentary and narrative that intertwines animation, live-action, and the stories of three fans journeying to Cleveland. Hear about the trials and tribulations faced by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and why Rob believes now is the pivotal moment to honor their legacy. With a backdrop of cinematic history and personal perseverance, this episode promises to inspire and captivate as it chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the origins of an iconic superhero. Tune in to witness how one filmmaker's vision strives to ignite a new wave of inspiration and hope through the timeless legacy of Superman.

Follow Rob Montague and Watch the Secret Identity trailer:
https://latemorningfilms.com/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 

Special Thanks:
Rob Montague

Additional Thanks:
Tasmin Humphries (The Aspiring Kryptonian) 
https://theaspiringkryptonian.com/
Luke Bugg (The Geek of Steel) 
https://linktr.ee/TheGeekOfSteel
Kibla Ahmed 
https://kiblaahmedart.com/

Superman and all related characters and elements are trademarks and © of DC Comics</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>7MS Presents: Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story</strong></p><p><br></p><p>About: Join viral storyteller Aaron Calafato (7 Minute Stories, Glassdoor's The Lonely Office) as he delves into the journey of filmmaker Rob Montague, who is on a mission to create a unique and compelling film about the creators of Superman. Discover the passion and urgency behind Rob's decade-long project, "Secret Identity," a multifaceted documentary and narrative that intertwines animation, live-action, and the stories of three fans journeying to Cleveland. Hear about the trials and tribulations faced by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and why Rob believes now is the pivotal moment to honor their legacy. With a backdrop of cinematic history and personal perseverance, this episode promises to inspire and captivate as it chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the origins of an iconic superhero. Tune in to witness how one filmmaker's vision strives to ignite a new wave of inspiration and hope through the timeless legacy of Superman.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Rob Montague and Watch the Secret Identity trailer:</p><p>https://latemorningfilms.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p><br></p><p>Special Thanks:</p><p>Rob Montague</p><p><br></p><p>Additional Thanks:</p><p><strong>Tasmin Humphries (The Aspiring Kryptonian) </strong></p><p>https://theaspiringkryptonian.com/</p><p><strong>Luke Bugg (The Geek of Steel) </strong></p><p>https://linktr.ee/TheGeekOfSteel</p><p><strong>Kibla Ahmed </strong></p><p>https://kiblaahmedart.com/</p><p><br></p><p><em>Superman and all related characters and elements are trademarks and © of DC Comics</em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1013</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E36: The Cloud Factory </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e36</link>
      <description>Can Aaron turn a clear misperception into a surprising gift?

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Cloud Factory </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7b229382-18bb-11ef-af21-630ed70e83fb/image/9ce2eee3644f91b6c0e8a13de01805ca.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Can Aaron turn a clear misperception into a surprising gift?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Can Aaron turn a clear misperception into a surprising gift?

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Can Aaron turn a clear misperception into a surprising gift?</p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>523</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[7b229382-18bb-11ef-af21-630ed70e83fb]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E35: When the Caged Bird Sings    </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e35</link>
      <description>A bizarre sound from Aaron’s car transforms into a story with two surprise endings… 
*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Website. 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>When the Caged Bird Sings    </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/726598c2-133c-11ef-968c-0bd557e5c446/image/509284c4f78b1ffdc371c6956fd81c39.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A bizarre sound from Aaron’s car transforms into a story with two surprise endings… </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A bizarre sound from Aaron’s car transforms into a story with two surprise endings… 
*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Website. 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A bizarre sound from Aaron’s car transforms into a story with two surprise endings… </p><p><em>*If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s </em><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/"><em>Website</em></a><em>. </em></p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>529</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[726598c2-133c-11ef-968c-0bd557e5c446]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E34: The Milli Vanilli of Violinists</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e34</link>
      <description>The story of how Aaron became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra!

• Only a few 7MS Tees left and we've dropped the price! Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Milli Vanilli of Violinists</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/34d2065c-0d43-11ef-8d76-83ef956dadd4/image/6cc53fddb2e13246e8ac277affbcf632.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how Aaron became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra!</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story of how Aaron became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra!

• Only a few 7MS Tees left and we've dropped the price! Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how Aaron became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra!</p><p><br></p><p>• Only a few 7MS Tees left and we've dropped the price! Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>645</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[34d2065c-0d43-11ef-8d76-83ef956dadd4]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E33: Becoming Gordon Bombay</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e33</link>
      <description>After crossing paths with his childhood soccer coach, Aaron discovers he has more in common with Gordon Bombay, the fictional character from Mighty Ducks, than he ever imagined.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Becoming Gordon Bombay</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/000843e2-082e-11ef-bfb5-77a7825d4de6/image/ec10d5efe8f3e6598061d2716bcc752d.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>After crossing paths with his childhood soccer coach, Aaron discovers he has more in common with Gordon Bombay, the fictional character from Mighty Ducks, than he ever imagined.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After crossing paths with his childhood soccer coach, Aaron discovers he has more in common with Gordon Bombay, the fictional character from Mighty Ducks, than he ever imagined.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After crossing paths with his childhood soccer coach, Aaron discovers he has more in common with Gordon Bombay, the fictional character from Mighty Ducks, than he ever imagined.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>580</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[000843e2-082e-11ef-bfb5-77a7825d4de6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Mighty Ducks </title>
      <description>In this bonus episode, there's something that Cori and Aaron can't seem to get over about the 90s movie classic The Mighty Ducks. Plus, a new 7MS preview.
• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Mighty Ducks </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/00189f80-04cd-11ef-a415-5b30f5cffbd1/image/b2d977ea0a9df28c4b0ea57bf3d2fcb6.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this bonus episode, there's something that Cori and Aaron can't seem about the 90s movie classic the Mighty Ducks. Plus, a new 7MS preview. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this bonus episode, there's something that Cori and Aaron can't seem to get over about the 90s movie classic The Mighty Ducks. Plus, a new 7MS preview.
• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this bonus episode, there's something that Cori and Aaron can't seem to get over about the 90s movie classic The Mighty Ducks. Plus, a new 7MS preview.</p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>992</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[00189f80-04cd-11ef-a415-5b30f5cffbd1]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E32: The Elderly Woman at Church </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e32</link>
      <description>This week, Aaron explores his childhood church aversion and a transformative friendship that taught him the power of understanding.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Elderly Woman at Church </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/04e59fa8-02b2-11ef-b2ba-3b6512920fb9/image/a1b90ae7fbcd70039bf5a05b6f321054.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week, Aaron explores his childhood church aversion and a transformative friendship that taught him the power of understanding.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, Aaron explores his childhood church aversion and a transformative friendship that taught him the power of understanding.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, Aaron explores his childhood church aversion and a transformative friendship that taught him the power of understanding.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>538</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[04e59fa8-02b2-11ef-b2ba-3b6512920fb9]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E31: Tell Me About Our Lives!</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e31</link>
      <description>In a pivotal moment, with agents and talent scouts watching, Aaron's mind suddenly goes blank during one of the most crucial performances of his life. Will he manage to recover? What unexpected lesson will he learn along the way?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Tell me about our lives! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a02be068-fd2a-11ee-a4a5-cbfe6b64a39c/image/6cc3762524829b9289e5f17545404e02.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In a pivotal moment, with agents and talent scouts watching, Aaron's mind suddenly goes blank during one of the most crucial performances of his life...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In a pivotal moment, with agents and talent scouts watching, Aaron's mind suddenly goes blank during one of the most crucial performances of his life. Will he manage to recover? What unexpected lesson will he learn along the way?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In a pivotal moment, with agents and talent scouts watching, Aaron's mind suddenly goes blank during one of the most crucial performances of his life. Will he manage to recover? What unexpected lesson will he learn along the way?</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>561</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>She doesn't feel TIME! (Cori Interrogates Aaron)  </title>
      <description>Join Aaron and Cori in the latest 7MS Monthly episode, where they unravel the mysteries of time (or lack thereof) and dive into the unexpected twists of a piece of candy, an old friend, and a life-saving event. 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>She doesn't feel TIME! (Cori Interrogates Aaron)  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/07545e92-f8e3-11ee-a681-eb6598299a34/image/0a0eb3d6f6a82e6e6ad788e15db265ca.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join Aaron and Cori in the latest 7MS Monthly episode, where they unravel the mysteries of time (or lack thereof) and dive into the unexpected twists of a piece of candy, an old friend, and a life-saving event. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join Aaron and Cori in the latest 7MS Monthly episode, where they unravel the mysteries of time (or lack thereof) and dive into the unexpected twists of a piece of candy, an old friend, and a life-saving event. 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join Aaron and Cori in the latest 7MS Monthly episode, where they unravel the mysteries of time (or lack thereof) and dive into the unexpected twists of a piece of candy, an old friend, and a life-saving event. </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1509</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E30: Total Eclipse of the Heart </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e30</link>
      <description>In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Total Eclipse of the Heart </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/23833cca-f7b5-11ee-9a79-f7e26b16244a/image/999a1f19c566bf2e64c18ea282f40638.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>570</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E29: The Interview (Bonus Ending!) </title>
      <description>In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Interview (Bonus Ending!) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d2bee19c-f235-11ee-a515-d75fdb3fb18a/image/79cdeec15b762aa3b4c0a60d8449a838.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>791</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E28: Japanese Candy  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e28</link>
      <description>Join Aaron as he unravels a tale where a simple piece of candy, the fate of a childhood friend, and a life-saving event take an unexpected turn. 

*Today's story features guest art by Jade Kruyne &amp; Gage Spehar

Jade’s illustration is featured here and on all major podcast apps where you listen to 7MS

Gage’s can be seen at 7minutestories.com  


Connect w/ Jade's work on Instagram @bunny3holland
Connect w/ Gage's work on Instagram @snotrocket1944

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Japanese Candy </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/367622e0-ec5f-11ee-8cc1-d7dd8790840b/image/2b333559d90d053e7e0708553da37e03.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join Aaron as he unravels a tale where a simple piece of candy, the fate of a childhood friend, and a life-saving event take an unexpected turn. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join Aaron as he unravels a tale where a simple piece of candy, the fate of a childhood friend, and a life-saving event take an unexpected turn. 

*Today's story features guest art by Jade Kruyne &amp; Gage Spehar

Jade’s illustration is featured here and on all major podcast apps where you listen to 7MS

Gage’s can be seen at 7minutestories.com  


Connect w/ Jade's work on Instagram @bunny3holland
Connect w/ Gage's work on Instagram @snotrocket1944

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join Aaron as he unravels a tale where a simple piece of candy, the fate of a childhood friend, and a life-saving event take an unexpected turn. </p><p><br></p><p>*Today's story features guest art by Jade Kruyne &amp; Gage Spehar</p><ul>
<li>Jade’s illustration is featured here and on all major podcast apps where you listen to 7MS</li>
<li>Gage’s can be seen at 7minutestories.com  </li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>Connect w/ Jade's work on Instagram @bunny3holland</p><p>Connect w/ Gage's work on Instagram @snotrocket1944</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>618</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E27: Where Did Everybody Go? </title>
      <description>This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Where Did Everybody Go? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e4558f96-e6cd-11ee-a346-87d30deeb7ea/image/ce28cfe875e105171736b4744dd064eb.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>550</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e4558f96-e6cd-11ee-a346-87d30deeb7ea]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E26: The Good Samaritan </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e26</link>
      <description>Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Good Samaritan </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a3d5aa3c-e1b9-11ee-bd53-b3d828f1a7ee/image/328a0e7deb1c012d2cc435a5edff3ac8.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p> </p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>555</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E25: The Knowing </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s425</link>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron faces a pivotal moment as he contemplates acting on a "gut feeling" that could impact the rest of his life.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Knowing </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f85dbaf4-dc0a-11ee-9544-3395bcf069bb/image/91a9cb1b10b058e5ecbb092f6f571c89.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron faces a pivotal moment as he contemplates acting on a "gut feeling" that could impact the rest of his life.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron faces a pivotal moment as he contemplates acting on a "gut feeling" that could impact the rest of his life.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron faces a pivotal moment as he contemplates acting on a "gut feeling" that could impact the rest of his life.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p> </p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>536</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f85dbaf4-dc0a-11ee-9544-3395bcf069bb]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Cori Interrogates Aaron (February 7MS Recap) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/febrecap24 </link>
      <description>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new monthly series on 7MS, where the dynamic duo of Aaron and Cori, a husband and wife team, take you on a journey through the past month's 7 Minute Stories. They'll dive into behind-the-scenes insights, laugh a lot, and explore unexpected topics. This month, join Cori as she "interrogates" Aaron about cheesy dippers, cement geese, and his past romantic escapades!

• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor
https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Cori Interrogates Aaron (February 7MS Recap) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c6c8a0dc-da55-11ee-80c7-3be39269aeb2/image/4f2193c86306f319dfc222d49083829a.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new monthly series on 7MS, where the dynamic duo of Aaron and Cori, a husband and wife team, take you on a journey through the past month's 7 Minute Stories.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new monthly series on 7MS, where the dynamic duo of Aaron and Cori, a husband and wife team, take you on a journey through the past month's 7 Minute Stories. They'll dive into behind-the-scenes insights, laugh a lot, and explore unexpected topics. This month, join Cori as she "interrogates" Aaron about cheesy dippers, cement geese, and his past romantic escapades!

• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor
https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new monthly series on 7MS, where the dynamic duo of Aaron and Cori, a husband and wife team, take you on a journey through the past month's 7 Minute Stories. They'll dive into behind-the-scenes insights, laugh a lot, and explore unexpected topics. This month, join Cori as she "interrogates" Aaron about cheesy dippers, cement geese, and his past romantic escapades!</p><p><br></p><p>• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor</p><p>https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice</p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1880</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E24: Down the Road from Grama's House </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e24</link>
      <description> A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor
https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Down the Road from Grama's House </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/aabac594-d6b0-11ee-9405-7396e31ec73b/image/3b0ca5a3cfa8f9a6a0e4a44eb3c7d41c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary> A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor
https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice

• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter
 
• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p> A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor</p><p>https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice</p><p><br></p><p>• We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter</p><p> </p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>603</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E23: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted? </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e23</link>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>What Becomes of the Brokenhearted? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ca687f8-d0e9-11ee-b9a0-975378d97791/image/1b2a19527b5cb77976a79f6b8f6a09a8.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>599</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E22: The Golden Goose  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e22</link>
      <description>Will Aaron be a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinges on a very special goose.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Golden Goose  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/aefe5f6a-cb5e-11ee-af5c-b73a4844291f/image/138a44.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Was Aaron a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinged on a very special goose. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Will Aaron be a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinges on a very special goose.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Will Aaron be a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinges on a very special goose.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>558</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E21: Hunger Games (School Lunch Edition) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e21</link>
      <description>Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Hunger Games (School Lunch Edition) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1c27d63e-c5dd-11ee-b1f7-df1aca747ca9/image/d87a85.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>580</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1c27d63e-c5dd-11ee-b1f7-df1aca747ca9]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E20: The MRI</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e20</link>
      <description>This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain...  

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The MRI </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/42ac5276-c05b-11ee-a980-c358b83370d7/image/d1650c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain...  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain...  

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain...  </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>566</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E19: The Blue Rock and the Time Machine </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e19</link>
      <description>Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Blue Rock and the Time Machine </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/acb35416-bb2f-11ee-8d6f-3748934e8b19/image/5f2a1f.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>486</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[acb35416-bb2f-11ee-8d6f-3748934e8b19]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN3217793699.mp3?updated=1706152746" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E18: Got a Smoke? </title>
      <description>Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Got a Smoke? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d5c6a83c-b5a6-11ee-856e-77d0611aea0d/image/c05a1a.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences... </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>522</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d5c6a83c-b5a6-11ee-856e-77d0611aea0d]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1021421765.mp3?updated=1705544243" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E17: The Riddler (7MS Listener Request)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e17</link>
      <description>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening upside down. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Riddler (7MS Listener Request)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/dc7852e0-afd7-11ee-9f18-fb667cdc6887/image/f53e5d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening upside down. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening upside down. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening upside down. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>622</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[dc7852e0-afd7-11ee-9f18-fb667cdc6887]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7870222240.mp3?updated=1704905644" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E16: The Brick Walkway (7MS Listener Pick) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e16</link>
      <description>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron tries to piece together memories of his late grandfather. Plus, a listener shoutout!

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Brick Walkway (7MS Listener Pick) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a5e34b96-a51d-11ee-a38a-fb2fd98dcc62/image/18e834.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron tries to piece together memories of his late grandfather. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron tries to piece together memories of his late grandfather. Plus, a listener shoutout!

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron tries to piece together memories of his late grandfather. Plus, a listener shoutout!</p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>629</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a5e34b96-a51d-11ee-a38a-fb2fd98dcc62]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9957750098.mp3?updated=1703726143" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E15: A Response to Virginia O'Hanlon </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e15</link>
      <description>It’s Christmas Eve! Perfect timing for this special episode. In these 7 Minutes, Aaron reads an emotional adaptation of the most famous English-language editorial ever written titled: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church. Church’s editorial was first published in the New York newspaper The Sun on September 21, 1897. The 7 minutes ends with some calming holiday music. 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Dec 2023 05:01:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> A Response to Virginia O'Hanlon </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/69bc3c30-9f6a-11ee-9638-3be4de082030/image/8d9c6e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It’s Christmas Eve! Perfect timing for this special episode. In these 7 Minutes, Aaron reads an emotional adaptation of the most famous English-language editorial ever written...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It’s Christmas Eve! Perfect timing for this special episode. In these 7 Minutes, Aaron reads an emotional adaptation of the most famous English-language editorial ever written titled: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church. Church’s editorial was first published in the New York newspaper The Sun on September 21, 1897. The 7 minutes ends with some calming holiday music. 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s Christmas Eve! Perfect timing for this special episode. In these 7 Minutes, Aaron reads an emotional adaptation of the most famous English-language editorial ever written titled:<strong><em> Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church</em></strong>. Church’s editorial was first published in the New York newspaper<strong><em> The Sun </em></strong>on September 21, 1897. The 7 minutes ends with some calming holiday music. </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>442</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[69bc3c30-9f6a-11ee-9638-3be4de082030]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2258306502.mp3?updated=1703099449" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E14: The Man and the Birds </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e14</link>
      <description>Enjoy this 7MS Holiday tradition as Aaron retells a mysterious story. PLUS a listener shoutout!

*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.
According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Man and the Birds </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cb33af92-9f57-11ee-8b5a-9fc2e4a706e9/image/ba498d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Enjoy this 7MS Holiday tradition, PLUS a listener shoutout!</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Enjoy this 7MS Holiday tradition as Aaron retells a mysterious story. PLUS a listener shoutout!

*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.
According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Enjoy this 7MS Holiday tradition as Aaron retells a mysterious story. PLUS a listener shoutout!</p><p><br></p><p>*The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown.</p><p><em>According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...”</em></p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>459</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E13: Be Sure to Drink Your Ovaltine! </title>
      <description>The story behind 'A Christmas Story' and how it all connects to Aaron's very own 'Little Orphan Annie' decoder pin.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! 
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Be Sure to Drink Your Ovaltine! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3bbb74b0-9a31-11ee-a088-9fc43a901088/image/c43274.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story behind 'A Christmas Story' and how it all connects to Aaron's very own 'Little Orphan Annie' decoder pin. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story behind 'A Christmas Story' and how it all connects to Aaron's very own 'Little Orphan Annie' decoder pin.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! 
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story behind 'A Christmas Story' and how it all connects to Aaron's very own 'Little Orphan Annie' decoder pin.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! </p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>534</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E12: George Bailey Syndrome </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e12</link>
      <description>How do you respond when something pulls you back to the hometown you always wanted to leave?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a story of your own!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>George Bailey Syndrome </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/82cbcaf2-9483-11ee-b6ca-bb8335710fab/image/0a6c5a.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>How do you respond when something pulls you back to the hometown you always wanted to leave? </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>How do you respond when something pulls you back to the hometown you always wanted to leave?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a story of your own!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact

• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:
https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching

• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!
https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do you respond when something pulls you back to the hometown you always wanted to leave?</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>• We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a story of your own!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact</p><p><br></p><p>• Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>• Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron:</p><p>https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching</p><p><br></p><p>• Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken!</p><p>https://www.valleyview.fm/contact</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>680</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[82cbcaf2-9483-11ee-b6ca-bb8335710fab]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E11: I Hope AI Takes Over </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e11</link>
      <description>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron gets fed up with customer service and makes a wish he regrets. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>I Hope AI Takes Over </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c3c800f0-8f44-11ee-b757-3f8c637b82ef/image/488019.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron gets fed up with customer service and makes a wish he regrets. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron gets fed up with customer service and makes a wish he regrets. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron gets fed up with customer service and makes a wish he regrets. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>543</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c3c800f0-8f44-11ee-b757-3f8c637b82ef]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9087354024.mp3?updated=1701323901" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E10: The Thanksgiving Christmas Tree </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e10</link>
      <description>Is there a way to stop time and make the Christmas season last longer? In this 7 Minutes, Aaron shares a controversial remedy. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Thanksgiving Christmas Tree </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5321d978-89a1-11ee-9000-43f182a3a786/image/e81b89.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Is there a way to stop time and make the Christmas season last longer?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Is there a way to stop time and make the Christmas season last longer? In this 7 Minutes, Aaron shares a controversial remedy. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Is there a way to stop time and make the Christmas season last longer? In this 7 Minutes, Aaron shares a controversial remedy. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>546</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[5321d978-89a1-11ee-9000-43f182a3a786]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E9: Henry Winkler's Reminder </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e9</link>
      <description>Why did a mysterious photo of Henry Winkler inspire Aaron to reconnect with his talented thespian cousin? Find out this week on a new 7 Minute Stories!

Special thanks to Joe Grifasi for his mentorship early in my artistic career!
Find out more about Joe's filmography:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341055/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Henry Winkler's Reminder </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/39576394-83db-11ee-9cb7-bbe20cc7ae3a/image/c0e276.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Why did a mysterious photo of Henry Winkler inspire Aaron to reconnect with his talented thespian cousin?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Why did a mysterious photo of Henry Winkler inspire Aaron to reconnect with his talented thespian cousin? Find out this week on a new 7 Minute Stories!

Special thanks to Joe Grifasi for his mentorship early in my artistic career!
Find out more about Joe's filmography:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341055/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Why did a mysterious photo of Henry Winkler inspire Aaron to reconnect with his talented thespian cousin? Find out this week on a new 7 Minute Stories!</p><p><br></p><p>Special thanks to Joe Grifasi for his mentorship early in my artistic career!</p><p>Find out more about Joe's filmography:</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341055/">https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341055/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>568</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[39576394-83db-11ee-9cb7-bbe20cc7ae3a]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E8: The Work Fight </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e8</link>
      <description>Aaron's career hangs in the balance when things escalate quickly at work.

When you buy 7MS Merch, you're gifting a story to someone else:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Work Fight </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b80f653a-7e70-11ee-8014-7f6c938aa52f/image/a1a44a.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron's career hangs in the balance when things escalate quickly at work. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron's career hangs in the balance when things escalate quickly at work.

When you buy 7MS Merch, you're gifting a story to someone else:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron's career hangs in the balance when things escalate quickly at work.</p><p><br></p><p>When you buy 7MS Merch, you're gifting a story to someone else:</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>562</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b80f653a-7e70-11ee-8014-7f6c938aa52f]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E7: A Halloween Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e7</link>
      <description>Aaron was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made him question everything.  Happy Halloween!

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Halloween Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1ff2e696-7795-11ee-8fca-f761d81d3fc9/image/d4183d.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made him question everything.   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made him question everything.  Happy Halloween!

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made him question everything.  Happy Halloween!</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>631</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1ff2e696-7795-11ee-8fca-f761d81d3fc9]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN8115363279.mp3?updated=1698720337" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S4 E6: Do you Smell that?  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e6</link>
      <description>Aaron invites the 7MS listeners on a journey to help him regain his sense of smell.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Do you Smell that?  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2d8baea0-7380-11ee-9f0b-b71998f31db4/image/31c38f.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron invites the 7MS listeners on a journey to help him regain his sense of smell.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron invites the 7MS listeners on a journey to help him regain his sense of smell.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron invites the 7MS listeners on a journey to help him regain his sense of smell.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>571</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>S4 E5: Warp! </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e5</link>
      <description>What happens when a young Aaron engages in a galactic battle between good, evil, dream, and reality? The outcome could hold the fate of the entire world in the balance…
*This story features a special guest illustration by Abby Wolkins
Learn more about Abby's work: https://www.instagram.com/abeebjeanie/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Warp! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bb0d70b0-6e1c-11ee-b525-df1ed9c66af1/image/8d7ec7.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What happens when a young Aaron engages in a galactic battle between good, evil, dream, and reality?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What happens when a young Aaron engages in a galactic battle between good, evil, dream, and reality? The outcome could hold the fate of the entire world in the balance…
*This story features a special guest illustration by Abby Wolkins
Learn more about Abby's work: https://www.instagram.com/abeebjeanie/

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What happens when a young Aaron engages in a galactic battle between good, evil, dream, and reality? The outcome could hold the fate of the entire world in the balance…</p><p>*This story features a special guest illustration by Abby Wolkins</p><p>Learn more about Abby's work: https://www.instagram.com/abeebjeanie/</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>608</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E4: How Super Kmart Became a Seagull Zoo </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e4</link>
      <description>As plans for a new store to replace the old Super Kmart loom, Aaron reflects on cherished memories and ponders the fate of the "Seagull Zoo."

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>How Super Kmart Became a Seagull Zoo </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4f697c5c-68a7-11ee-b7d9-db4f353cd35c/image/424e00.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>As plans for a new superstore loom, Aaron reflects on the cherished memories and wonders about the fate of the "Seagull Zoo."</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>As plans for a new store to replace the old Super Kmart loom, Aaron reflects on cherished memories and ponders the fate of the "Seagull Zoo."

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>As plans for a new store to replace the old Super Kmart loom, Aaron reflects on cherished memories and ponders the fate of the "Seagull Zoo."</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>525</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E3: Graham's House  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e3</link>
      <description>Join Aaron as he unravels the story of a mysterious man named Graham and a notorious house with a dark history. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Graham's House</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/65910928-6311-11ee-9fe2-cf61bd0b623f/image/c56c00.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join Aaron as he unravels the story of a mysterious man named Graham and a notorious house with a dark history. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join Aaron as he unravels the story of a mysterious man named Graham and a notorious house with a dark history. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join Aaron as he unravels the story of a mysterious man named Graham and a notorious house with a dark history. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>533</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E2: The Secret Channel </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e2</link>
      <description>At 15 years old, Aaron discovers a secret channel while using the 'tuner' to sharpen the image on his family's Hitachi television.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Secret Channel </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7bf3056a-5da1-11ee-b9b2-cbacf2a45ea9/image/87fdec.JPEG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>At 15 years old, Aaron discovers a secret channel while using the 'tuner' to sharpen the image on his family's Hitachi television.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At 15 years old, Aaron discovers a secret channel while using the 'tuner' to sharpen the image on his family's Hitachi television.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At 15 years old, Aaron discovers a secret channel while using the 'tuner' to sharpen the image on his family's Hitachi television.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>562</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[7bf3056a-5da1-11ee-b9b2-cbacf2a45ea9]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>S4 E1: For Profit: An Origin Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s4e1</link>
      <description>For half a decade, Aaron embarked on a nationwide tour, performing a personal monologue titled "For Profit." It delved into the pressing issue of the American student debt crisis. In our 7MS Season 4 Premiere, Aaron share’s pivotal origin story that ignited it all.
*Explicit themes &amp; language
*Give us your feedback, share your stories, buy merch, and dive deeper into the 7 Minute Stories Universe by visiting https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>For Profit: An Origin Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>4</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a8d41cb2-5825-11ee-b519-e7502c6c53f2/image/9ca029.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>For half a decade, Aaron embarked on a nationwide tour, performing a personal monologue titled "For Profit." It delved into the pressing issue of the American student debt crisis. In our 7MS Season 4 Premiere, Aaron share’s pivotal origin story that ignited it all.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>For half a decade, Aaron embarked on a nationwide tour, performing a personal monologue titled "For Profit." It delved into the pressing issue of the American student debt crisis. In our 7MS Season 4 Premiere, Aaron share’s pivotal origin story that ignited it all.
*Explicit themes &amp; language
*Give us your feedback, share your stories, buy merch, and dive deeper into the 7 Minute Stories Universe by visiting https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>For half a decade, Aaron embarked on a nationwide tour, performing a personal monologue titled "For Profit." It delved into the pressing issue of the American student debt crisis. In our 7MS Season 4 Premiere, Aaron share’s pivotal origin story that ignited it all.</p><p><em>*Explicit themes &amp; language</em></p><p><em>*Give us your feedback, share your stories, buy merch, and dive deeper into the 7 Minute Stories Universe by visiting https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ </em></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>630</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a8d41cb2-5825-11ee-b519-e7502c6c53f2]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6944292666.mp3?updated=1695264908" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E40: Last Episode of Season 3 </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e40</link>
      <description>Aaron brings Season 3 to a close and addresses several questions, including if there will there be a Season 4 of 7MS...

Subscribe to Aaron's NEW YouTube show - Breaking it Down:
https://www.youtube.com/@breakingitdowntv</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Last Episode of Season 3 </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4970a592-1ba8-11ee-b6a3-4712cf7abd25/image/38f13b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron brings Season 3 to a close and addresses several questions, including if there will there be a Season 4 of 7MS...  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron brings Season 3 to a close and addresses several questions, including if there will there be a Season 4 of 7MS...

Subscribe to Aaron's NEW YouTube show - Breaking it Down:
https://www.youtube.com/@breakingitdowntv</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron brings Season 3 to a close and addresses several questions, including if there will there be a Season 4 of 7MS...</p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to Aaron's NEW YouTube show - Breaking it Down:</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/@breakingitdowntv</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>473</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[4970a592-1ba8-11ee-b6a3-4712cf7abd25]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E39: The Four Seasons: Summer</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e39</link>
      <description>In this final installment of a four-part series, Aaron creates a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Summer! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Four Seasons: Summer</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d037f5c-0b34-11ee-bec7-b336f60d81c5/image/f51dd6.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this final installment of a four-part series, Aaron creates a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Summer! </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this final installment of a four-part series, Aaron creates a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Summer! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this final installment of a four-part series, Aaron creates a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Summer! </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>566</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8d037f5c-0b34-11ee-bec7-b336f60d81c5]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E38: The Quest for the Turkey Sandwich </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e38</link>
      <description>Aaron's pilgrimage for a turkey sandwich takes an unexpected turn…

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Quest for the Turkey Sandwich </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/107386c4-05b4-11ee-a7b0-13b8991b79f6/image/4d8234.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron's pilgrimage for a turkey sandwich takes an unexpected turn…</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron's pilgrimage for a turkey sandwich takes an unexpected turn…

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron's pilgrimage for a turkey sandwich takes an unexpected turn…</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>628</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[107386c4-05b4-11ee-a7b0-13b8991b79f6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E37: The 40-Year Train Ride </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e37</link>
      <description>Join Aaron as he turns 40 and ponders the ever-present allure of a familiar melody of a distant train. Is this merely a comforting sound or a bridge to a realm beyond Aaron's understanding?</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The 40-Year Train Ride </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/08c7a8a2-002c-11ee-95c2-4330d22337a2/image/d6266c.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join Aaron as he turns 40 and ponders the ever-present allure of a familiar melody of a distant train. Is this merely a comforting sound or a bridge to a realm beyond Aaron's understanding?</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join Aaron as he turns 40 and ponders the ever-present allure of a familiar melody of a distant train. Is this merely a comforting sound or a bridge to a realm beyond Aaron's understanding?</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>558</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[08c7a8a2-002c-11ee-95c2-4330d22337a2]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E36: The YouTube Expert </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e36</link>
      <description>Aaron signs up for a 30-day YouTube course from a prominent influencer and gets A LOT more than he bargained for...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The YouTube Expert </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b52b86ce-fa53-11ed-9f18-d3dd729785db/image/90853b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron signs up for a 30-day YouTube course from a prominent influencer and gets A LOT more than he bargained for... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron signs up for a 30-day YouTube course from a prominent influencer and gets A LOT more than he bargained for...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron signs up for a 30-day YouTube course from a prominent influencer and gets A LOT more than he bargained for...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>580</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E35: The Letter</title>
      <description>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells a story about summer love and a letter he never wrote.
*This episode features a guest musical appearance by Jeff and his Army of No One. Follow and listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XacDmENByqEkQHuZyzkv1?autoplay=true

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: Jeff and His Army of No One
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Letter</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/4e15d82a-f532-11ed-b11a-2f364c9a096e/image/0f7129.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells a story about summer love and a letter he never wrote.
*This episode features a guest musical appearance by Jeff and his Army of No One. Follow and listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XacDmENByqEkQHuZyzkv1?autoplay=true

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: Jeff and His Army of No One
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells a story about summer love and a letter he never wrote.</p><p>*This episode features a guest musical appearance by Jeff and his Army of No One. Follow and listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XacDmENByqEkQHuZyzkv1?autoplay=true</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: Jeff and His Army of No One</p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>581</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E34: The Front Door Incident </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e34</link>
      <description>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father…   

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Get your 7MS merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Front Door Incident </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e116267e-ef9d-11ed-a9ea-671743aa7e5f/image/4e23fc.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father…   

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Get your 7MS merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father…   </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>513</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E33: ChatGPT, Tell Me a Story...</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e33</link>
      <description>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron confronts his fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>ChatGPT, Tell Me a Story...</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/daff223e-ea2c-11ed-beb4-b3202922ceda/image/4473b3.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron confronts his fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron confronts his fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron confronts his fear of being replaced by artificial intelligence. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>506</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[daff223e-ea2c-11ed-beb4-b3202922ceda]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E32: The Four Seasons: Spring </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e32</link>
      <description>In this third installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Spring!

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Four Seasons: Spring </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ef6e6046-e4a4-11ed-9a00-6fd51cab7cf6/image/163dd9.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this third installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Winter! </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this third installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Spring!

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this third installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Spring!</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>492</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ef6e6046-e4a4-11ed-9a00-6fd51cab7cf6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E31: The Door Test </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e31</link>
      <description>What if you had access to a test that could guarantee a happy ending to your love story?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Door Test </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/28a3262c-df2c-11ed-9ec8-1784763749a6/image/ba0bac.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What if you had access to a test that could guarantee a happy ending to your love story?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What if you had access to a test that could guarantee a happy ending to your love story?

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What if you had access to a test that could guarantee a happy ending to your love story?</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>562</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[28a3262c-df2c-11ed-9ec8-1784763749a6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E30: The TikTok Scam  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e30</link>
      <description>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron goes live on TikTok and gets caught in an extremely awkward situation in front of thousands of viewers.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The TikTok Scam </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/22816c08-d9c4-11ed-9d35-5b1a4101ed77/image/b614eb.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron goes live on TikTok and gets caught in an extremely awkward situation in front of thousands of viewers.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron goes live on TikTok and gets caught in an extremely awkward situation in front of thousands of viewers.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron goes live on TikTok and gets caught in an extremely awkward situation in front of thousands of viewers.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>566</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[22816c08-d9c4-11ed-9d35-5b1a4101ed77]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1315988007.mp3?updated=1681367493" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E29: Frozen Yogurt Love Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e29</link>
      <description>Cori and Aaron tied the knot on April 1, 2023. In this 7 minutes, find out how their love story began with a quest for frozen yogurt. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Frozen Yogurt Love Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e01ced52-d422-11ed-909e-ffb16f361a8b/image/869121.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Cori and Aaron tied the knot on April 1, 2023. In this 7 minutes, find out how their love story began with a quest for frozen yogurt. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Cori and Aaron tied the knot on April 1, 2023. In this 7 minutes, find out how their love story began with a quest for frozen yogurt. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Cori and Aaron tied the knot on April 1, 2023. In this 7 minutes, find out how their love story began with a quest for frozen yogurt. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>636</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e01ced52-d422-11ed-909e-ffb16f361a8b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2132573895.mp3?updated=1680751729" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E28: The Frog</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e28</link>
      <description>An innocent frog's fate sets Aaron on a path of redemption.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:53:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Frog</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/40096986-cdaa-11ed-8948-13c6d1d44283/image/8a15c1.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>An innocent frog's fate sets Aaron on a path of redemption.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An innocent frog's fate sets Aaron on a path of redemption.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An innocent frog's fate sets Aaron on a path of redemption.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>438</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[40096986-cdaa-11ed-8948-13c6d1d44283]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E27: In the beginning...</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e27</link>
      <description>Join us as we travel back in time back to when this podcast started. Enjoy, "The Cruise" - the very first episode of the 7 Minute Stories series. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>In the beginning...</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/78a0aef6-c901-11ed-9b4b-a369536d4f62/image/8368d0.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Join us as we travel back in time back to when this podcast started. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Join us as we travel back in time back to when this podcast started. Enjoy, "The Cruise" - the very first episode of the 7 Minute Stories series. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us as we travel back in time back to when this podcast started. Enjoy, "The Cruise" - the very first episode of the 7 Minute Stories series. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>587</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[78a0aef6-c901-11ed-9b4b-a369536d4f62]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E26: Guitar Hero </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e26</link>
      <description>Something unexpected happens when my daughter asks me to compete in the "air guitar" competition at the father-daughter dance...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Guitar Hero </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8d1df12c-c36b-11ed-90b5-d3bc609b783b/image/026c95.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Something unexpected happens when my daughter asks me to compete in the "air guitar" competition at the father-daughter dance... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Something unexpected happens when my daughter asks me to compete in the "air guitar" competition at the father-daughter dance...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Something unexpected happens when my daughter asks me to compete in the "air guitar" competition at the father-daughter dance...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>588</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S3 E25: The Four Seasons: Winter</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e25</link>
      <description>In this second installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Winter! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Four Seasons: Winter</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a46ce23a-be29-11ed-8168-cb1c301a4b28/image/7c2eee.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this second installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Winter! </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this second installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Winter! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this second installment of a four-part series: Aaron shares a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Winter! </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>548</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E24: Over 200 Episodes!    </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e24</link>
      <description>In these 7 minutes, Cori comes to Aaron's rescue as he struggles with an episode where he can't tell a story.

Special Guest: Cori Birce
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Over 200 Episodes!     </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7b46be44-b8b1-11ed-ad63-13225d8703d1/image/467169.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In these 7 minutes, Cori comes to Aaron's rescue as he struggles with an episode where he can't tell a story. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 minutes, Cori comes to Aaron's rescue as he struggles with an episode where he can't tell a story.

Special Guest: Cori Birce
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 minutes, Cori comes to Aaron's rescue as he struggles with an episode where he can't tell a story.</p><p><br></p><p>Special Guest: Cori Birce</p><p>Story Direction: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>486</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E23: Special Guest Chayla Hope</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e23</link>
      <description>Aaron takes 7 minutes to unpack the cocoon story of singer/pop artist Chayla Hope. 

Stream Chayla's debut album: Damn, Feelings 
https://www.chaylahope.com/

Special Guest: Chayla Hope 
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Guest Chayla Hope</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f6bcf3c-b337-11ed-be78-e77418e29dd5/image/30a1aa.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron takes 7 minutes to unpack the cocoon story of singer/pop artist Chayla Hope</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron takes 7 minutes to unpack the cocoon story of singer/pop artist Chayla Hope. 

Stream Chayla's debut album: Damn, Feelings 
https://www.chaylahope.com/

Special Guest: Chayla Hope 
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron takes 7 minutes to unpack the cocoon story of singer/pop artist Chayla Hope. </p><p><br></p><p>Stream Chayla's debut album: Damn, Feelings </p><p><a href="https://www.chaylahope.com/">https://www.chaylahope.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Special Guest: Chayla Hope </p><p>Story Direction: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>616</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E22: The Red Balloon </title>
      <description>Aaron calls upon a magic red balloon to help a friend in need... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Red Balloon </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/254c4e02-adb5-11ed-a018-17c546cba2d3/image/e38034.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron calls upon a magic red balloon to help a friend in need... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron calls upon a magic red balloon to help a friend in need... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron calls upon a magic red balloon to help a friend in need... </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>580</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E21: The Riddler </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e21</link>
      <description>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening into a Batman Comic Book. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

With your purchase of any 7MS merch item, you're ensuring Aaron's stories will remain free and open to the public.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Riddler </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a45ebe34-a82c-11ed-828c-a7b58d5be159/image/e8c241.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening into a Batman Comic Book. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening into a Batman Comic Book. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke 

With your purchase of any 7MS merch item, you're ensuring Aaron's stories will remain free and open to the public.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron &amp; Cori’s evening into a Batman Comic Book. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>With your purchase of any 7MS merch item, you're ensuring Aaron's stories will remain free and open to the public.</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>557</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E20: The Church with the Red Doors </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e20</link>
      <description>The answer to whether Aaron would become a pastor lies somewhere behind these red doors... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Church with the Red Doors </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3c0dea44-a2b4-11ed-8eef-571800741ffe/image/24c6f0.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The answer to whether Aaron would become a pastor lies somewhere behind these red doors... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The answer to whether Aaron would become a pastor lies somewhere behind these red doors... 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The answer to whether Aaron would become a pastor lies somewhere behind these red doors... </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>534</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E19: The Diagnosis </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e19</link>
      <description>My friend Juan got a phone call that would change everything, and when he hung up, he had to prepare to fight for his life. 

Original Story by Juan Caminero 
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Diagnosis </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/aa673fae-9d37-11ed-8348-4fa11241e2d1/image/d19620.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>My friend Juan got a phone call that would change everything, and when he hung up, he had to prepare to fight for his life. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>My friend Juan got a phone call that would change everything, and when he hung up, he had to prepare to fight for his life. 

Original Story by Juan Caminero 
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>My friend Juan got a phone call that would change everything, and when he hung up, he had to prepare to fight for his life. </p><p><br></p><p>Original Story by Juan Caminero </p><p>Story Direction: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[aa673fae-9d37-11ed-8348-4fa11241e2d1]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E18: The High School Reunion </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e18</link>
      <description>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron makes his first appearance at a High School class reunion. It doesn't go as expected... 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Highschool Reunion </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/78595f04-97bc-11ed-8895-7fb948775fd0/image/c885fa.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron makes his first appearance at a High School class reunion and it doesn't go as expected... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron makes his first appearance at a High School class reunion. It doesn't go as expected... 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In these 7 Minutes, Aaron makes his first appearance at a High School class reunion. It doesn't go as expected... </p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>554</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[78595f04-97bc-11ed-8895-7fb948775fd0]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E17: The Dandelion Salad</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e17</link>
      <description>Aaron’s grandfather never would have thought this little story about growing up during the depression would reach tens of millions of people around the globe. 

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Story Told by: Joseph Collier (Calafato) 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Dandelion Salad</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1ea545a0-9234-11ed-b3ea-93ea9fc41437/image/7b6270.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron’s grandfather never would have thought this little story about growing up during the depression would reach tens of millions of people around the globe. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron’s grandfather never would have thought this little story about growing up during the depression would reach tens of millions of people around the globe. 

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Story Told by: Joseph Collier (Calafato) 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron’s grandfather never would have thought this little story about growing up during the depression would reach tens of millions of people around the globe. </p><p><br></p><p>Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Original Story Told by: Joseph Collier (Calafato) </p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>671</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1ea545a0-9234-11ed-b3ea-93ea9fc41437]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E16: The Man and the Birds</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e16</link>
      <description>It’s a Christmas tradition on 7MS. Aaron recites a story popularized by the radio legend Paul Harvey.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Man and the Birds</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f9fa5be-81af-11ed-94f8-0fccb413a8ae/image/964248.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron recites a Christmas story popularized by the radio legend Paul Harvey.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It’s a Christmas tradition on 7MS. Aaron recites a story popularized by the radio legend Paul Harvey.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It’s a Christmas tradition on 7MS. Aaron recites a story popularized by the radio legend Paul Harvey.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>479</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E15: The Story Behind 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e15</link>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron invites you to join him as he examines the story behind the original lyrics of the popular holiday song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.
 
Lyric guide for this episode:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/lyricguide
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Story Behind 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/976d8ab6-7c3f-11ed-be85-ff57e5d25aa7/image/022395.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron invites you to join him as he examines the story behind the original lyrics of the popular holiday song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron invites you to join him as he examines the story behind the original lyrics of the popular holiday song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.
 
Lyric guide for this episode:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/lyricguide
 
Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron invites you to join him as he examines the story behind the original lyrics of the popular holiday song 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.</p><p> </p><p>Lyric guide for this episode:</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/lyricguide</p><p> </p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>617</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E14: The Snowman </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e14</link>
      <description>In this 7 minutes, Aaron revisits a very special snowman from his youth.  

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:10:20 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Snowman </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e607a22e-7708-11ed-ad39-2f240a281eac/image/a8db11.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this 7 minutes, Aaron revisits a very special snowman from his youth  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 minutes, Aaron revisits a very special snowman from his youth.  

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 minutes, Aaron revisits a very special snowman from his youth.  </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>622</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E13: So God Made a Farmer </title>
      <description>In this episode, Aaron pays tribute to his late cousin with the retelling of this popular speech. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> So God Made a Farmer </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1323060c-7148-11ed-a701-9be8aa617f65/image/60f318.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Aaron pays tribute to his late cousin with the retelling of this popular speech. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this episode, Aaron pays tribute to his late cousin with the retelling of this popular speech. 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Aaron pays tribute to his late cousin with the retelling of this popular speech. </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>692</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1323060c-7148-11ed-a701-9be8aa617f65]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E12: Sunday Mass</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e12</link>
      <description>Aaron races to Sunday Mass to meet his grandmother, and as usual, gets more than he bargained for.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sunday Mass</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6723874c-6ba6-11ed-8850-1f429c58d887/image/5a8f9b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron races to Sunday Mass to meet his grandmother, and as usual, gets more than he bargained for. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron races to Sunday Mass to meet his grandmother, and as usual, gets more than he bargained for.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron races to Sunday Mass to meet his grandmother, and as usual, gets more than he bargained for.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>554</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6723874c-6ba6-11ed-8850-1f429c58d887]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E11: The Violinist  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e11</link>
      <description>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells the tale of how he became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Violinist  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/be258fe6-662d-11ed-b369-53c8b77006be/image/492658.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells the tale of how he became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells the tale of how he became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells the tale of how he became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>578</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[be258fe6-662d-11ed-b369-53c8b77006be]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E10: The Heartbeat   </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e10</link>
      <description>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron tells the story about how his future wife Cori captured his heart...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Heartbeat </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f1c90102-6097-11ed-b362-eb88864e5794/image/8c5d13.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron tells the story about how his future wife Cori captured his heart... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron tells the story about how his future wife Cori captured his heart...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron tells the story about how his future wife Cori captured his heart...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f1c90102-6097-11ed-b362-eb88864e5794]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E9: Disclosure</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e9</link>
      <description>Aaron explores the making of a miraculous film called Disclosure - A student film that turned Aaron and his high school friends into movie stars. Okay, maybe not movie stars, but what they did learn was life-changing. 

*Today's story reference Jay Ellison, Aaron's longtime friend, and current film industry professional. Learn more about Jay and his company at https://shadowcastpictures.com/ 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Disclosure</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/590637cc-5ac6-11ed-ba49-7f843d5199c4/image/513eac.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron explores the making of a miraculous film called Disclosure - A student film that turned Aaron and his high school friends into movie stars. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron explores the making of a miraculous film called Disclosure - A student film that turned Aaron and his high school friends into movie stars. Okay, maybe not movie stars, but what they did learn was life-changing. 

*Today's story reference Jay Ellison, Aaron's longtime friend, and current film industry professional. Learn more about Jay and his company at https://shadowcastpictures.com/ 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron explores the making of a miraculous film called Disclosure - A student film that turned Aaron and his high school friends into movie stars. Okay, maybe not movie stars, but what they did learn was life-changing. </p><p><br></p><p>*Today's story reference Jay Ellison, Aaron's longtime friend, and current film industry professional. Learn more about Jay and his company at https://shadowcastpictures.com/ </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>552</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[590637cc-5ac6-11ed-ba49-7f843d5199c4]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E8: Something's Wrong with this Haunted House   </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e8</link>
      <description>Cori and Aaron talk about Halloween and a haunted house that's gone too far.

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Something's Wrong with this Haunted House   </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/00778cc4-55b1-11ed-9f13-7b47aa6cd1e5/image/9e3e0b.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Cori and Aaron talk about Halloween and a haunted house that's gone too far. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Cori and Aaron talk about Halloween and a haunted house that's gone too far.

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Cori and Aaron talk about Halloween and a haunted house that's gone too far.</p><p><br></p><p>Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>540</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[00778cc4-55b1-11ed-9f13-7b47aa6cd1e5]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E7: The Four Seasons: Autumn  </title>
      <description>In this first of a four-part series: Aaron, Thomas J. Duke, and the 7MS team create a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Autumn! 

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Four Seasons: Autumn  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2c11bbec-5021-11ed-bb0b-2b0499e26b23/image/d5c78f.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this first of a four-part series: Aaron, Thomas J. Duke, and the 7MS team create a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this first of a four-part series: Aaron, Thomas J. Duke, and the 7MS team create a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Autumn! 

Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke 
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this first of a four-part series: Aaron, Thomas J. Duke, and the 7MS team create a Rockwellian guide for you to enjoy the changing of each season. This episode: Autumn! </p><p><br></p><p>Story Created &amp; Performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Original Music &amp; Sound Design: thomas j. duke </p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>606</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[2c11bbec-5021-11ed-bb0b-2b0499e26b23]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E6: The Story That Got 1 Million Views </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e6</link>
      <description>Aaron tells a story that gets millions on YouTube &amp; is proven wrong about something in the process. 

Follow Aaron on YouTube Shorts
https://bit.ly/3fRBCBd

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Story That Got 1 Million Views </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c1768e4e-4aac-11ed-9929-bfb971417f9c/image/5e8d20.jfif?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron tells a story that gets millions on YouTube &amp; is proven wrong about something in the process. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron tells a story that gets millions on YouTube &amp; is proven wrong about something in the process. 

Follow Aaron on YouTube Shorts
https://bit.ly/3fRBCBd

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron tells a story that gets millions on YouTube &amp; is proven wrong about something in the process. </p><p><br></p><p>Follow Aaron on YouTube Shorts</p><p>https://bit.ly/3fRBCBd</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>512</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E5: The Chinese Restaurant </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e5</link>
      <description>Aaron learns a lot more than he expected when he gets a job as a cook at a Chinese Restaurant owned by an Iraqi-American family.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Chinese Restaurant </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d5905196-4528-11ed-a141-63bf1c738cbb/image/d9f754.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron learns a lot more than he expected when he gets a job as a cook at a Chinese Restaurant owned by an Iraqi-American family. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron learns a lot more than he expected when he gets a job as a cook at a Chinese Restaurant owned by an Iraqi-American family.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead 
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron learns a lot more than he expected when he gets a job as a cook at a Chinese Restaurant owned by an Iraqi-American family.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>565</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S3 E4: Living the Dream </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e4</link>
      <description>The sound of wind chimes sends Aaron on a surreal journey through a profound dream and a mind-bending bike ride.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Sarah Drago
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Living the Dream </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/68710eac-3f9c-11ed-b13c-c738f9e5dbf8/image/Sarah_Drago.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The sound of wind chimes sends Aaron on a surreal journey through a profound dream and a mind-bending bike ride.   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The sound of wind chimes sends Aaron on a surreal journey through a profound dream and a mind-bending bike ride.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Sarah Drago
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The sound of wind chimes sends Aaron on a surreal journey through a profound dream and a mind-bending bike ride.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Sarah Drago</p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>593</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S3 E3: Take your space</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e3</link>
      <description>Find out how Aaron unwillingly became a pawn in an office takeover.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Take your space</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e94fc54e-3a2a-11ed-b710-f716feafc094/image/09-2022_TakeYourSpace__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Find out how Aaron unwillingly became a pawn in an office takeover. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Find out how Aaron unwillingly became a pawn in an office takeover.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Find out how Aaron unwillingly became a pawn in an office takeover.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>583</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E2: The Wave  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e2</link>
      <description>What will Aaron do when he comes face to face with The Wave? Join us for a tale of survival and growing up too fast.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Wave  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1b8debaa-34a2-11ed-81bf-ffff068298a5/image/09-2022_The_Wave_copy.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What will Aaron do when he comes face to face with The Wave?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What will Aaron do when he comes face to face with The Wave? Join us for a tale of survival and growing up too fast.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What will Aaron do when he comes face to face with The Wave? Join us for a tale of survival and growing up too fast.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>551</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S3 E1: Take your shirt off!  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s3e1</link>
      <description>Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of 7 Minute Stories! In this episode, Aaron tests the limits of how far he will go for fame...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Take your shirt off! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>3</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a53b0d42-294e-11ed-a33c-bffb83423d5d/image/09-2022_Take-Your-Shirt-Off.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> In this episode, Aaron tests the limits of how far he will go for fame...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of 7 Minute Stories! In this episode, Aaron tests the limits of how far he will go for fame...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce 
Art: Pete Whitehead
Music: thomas j. duke </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of 7 Minute Stories! In this episode, Aaron tests the limits of how far he will go for fame...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p><p>Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music: thomas j. duke </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>560</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a53b0d42-294e-11ed-a33c-bffb83423d5d]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E40: Season 3 Preview  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e40</link>
      <description>Aaron couldn't wait until September 8th for the 7MS Season 3 premiere. So, he jumped into the recording closet to say hello and preview the upcoming season.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Season 3 Preview  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/dd49a682-18b7-11ed-a639-636ac4654289/image/7MM-podcast-logo-BLK-High-Quality-JPG-3000x3000__2_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron couldn't wait until September 8th for the 7MS Season 3 premiere...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron couldn't wait until September 8th for the 7MS Season 3 premiere. So, he jumped into the recording closet to say hello and preview the upcoming season.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron couldn't wait until September 8th for the 7MS Season 3 premiere. So, he jumped into the recording closet to say hello and preview the upcoming season.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>483</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[dd49a682-18b7-11ed-a639-636ac4654289]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E39: Season Finale: The Prayer  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s239</link>
      <description>At some point in most of our lives, we have this conversation with the unknown. 

Talk to you in September for Season 3 of 7 Minute Stories! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Season Finale: The Prayer  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/711b7e9c-e7a5-11ec-9891-07af863dfc53/image/PrayingHands.JPEG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>At some point in most of our lives, we have this conversation with the unknown. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At some point in most of our lives, we have this conversation with the unknown. 

Talk to you in September for Season 3 of 7 Minute Stories! 

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At some point in most of our lives, we have this conversation with the unknown. </p><p><br></p><p>Talk to you in September for Season 3 of 7 Minute Stories! </p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>542</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E38: Prejudice Against Italians?  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e38</link>
      <description>An unexpected visitor came to my house on a Sunday afternoon and you won't believe what he said.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Prejudice Against Italians?  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/72dc4ef0-e1e7-11ec-8c6d-8fd842109b41/image/Prejudice-Against-Italians.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>An unexpected visitor came to my house on a Sunday afternoon and you won't believe what he said.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An unexpected visitor came to my house on a Sunday afternoon and you won't believe what he said.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An unexpected visitor came to my house on a Sunday afternoon and you won't believe what he said.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>562</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E34: Halley's Comet </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e34</link>
      <description>In 1986, a famous comet became the steward of one of my most precious memories.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Halley's Comet </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8ec4f81a-cbf3-11ec-b1e2-7b09a2cb2c63/image/Untitled-2__5_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 1986, a famous comet became the steward of one my most precious memories. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 1986, a famous comet became the steward of one of my most precious memories.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 1986, a famous comet became the steward of one of my most precious memories.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>584</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E33: The Blue Plastic Bag</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e33</link>
      <description>The terrifying but meaningful journey of a blue plastic grocery bag.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Blue Plastic Bag</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/44b1ded2-c67b-11ec-bb06-97499a42a6c3/image/Untitled-2__4_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The terrifying but meaningful journey of a blue plastic grocery bag.

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The terrifying but meaningful journey of a blue plastic grocery bag.</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>587</itunes:duration>
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      <title>S2 E32: Vince Carter featuring Joe Leo  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e32</link>
      <description>What do you do when you have a chance to meet your hero? My friend Joe Leo faced that exact situation when he found himself on the same basketball court as NBA All-Star Vince Carter.

Episode and Story Direction by: Aaron Calafato
Special Guest: Joe Leo
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://fishbowlapp.com/7ms</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Vince Carter featuring Joe Leo  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>What do you do when you have a chance to meet your hero?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What do you do when you have a chance to meet your hero? My friend Joe Leo faced that exact situation when he found himself on the same basketball court as NBA All-Star Vince Carter.

Episode and Story Direction by: Aaron Calafato
Special Guest: Joe Leo
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://fishbowlapp.com/7ms</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What do you do when you have a chance to meet your hero? My friend Joe Leo faced that exact situation when he found himself on the same basketball court as NBA All-Star Vince Carter.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode and Story Direction by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Special Guest: Joe Leo</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p><br></p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>https://fishbowlapp.com/7ms</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>652</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>S2 E31: The CM Punk Difference w/ Chris Maffei  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e31</link>
      <description>Chris Maffei, Podcast Production Manager for Hatch.fm, shares the reason why he wanted to be CM Punk growing up.

Episode Direction by: Aaron Calafato
Special Guest: Chris Maffei
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://joinfishbowl.com/7MS</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The CM Punk Difference w/ Chris Maffei </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>Chris Maffei, Podcast Production Manager for Hatch.fm, shares the reason why he wanted to be CM Punk growing up. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Chris Maffei, Podcast Production Manager for Hatch.fm, shares the reason why he wanted to be CM Punk growing up.

Episode Direction by: Aaron Calafato
Special Guest: Chris Maffei
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://joinfishbowl.com/7MS</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Chris Maffei, Podcast Production Manager for Hatch.fm, shares the reason why he wanted to be CM Punk growing up.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode Direction by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Special Guest: Chris Maffei</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>https://joinfishbowl.com/7MS</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>S2 E30: Wrestling is a Love Story  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e30</link>
      <description>My love letter to professional wrestling...

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://www.fishbowlapp.com/7ms</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Wrestling is a Love Story  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8e87dbaa-b5b5-11ec-9196-aff729883921/image/Pro-Wrestling__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>My love letter to professional wrestling... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>My love letter to professional wrestling...

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
https://www.fishbowlapp.com/7ms</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>My love letter to professional wrestling...</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/7ms</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>581</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E29: 7 Minutes of Contemplation </title>
      <description>Things would be better if we were less reactive and more contemplative.

7MS Created by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Ken Wendt
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> 7 Minutes of Contemplation </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3524a95e-b09b-11ec-a318-bf2d8a677794/image/Untitled-2__3_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Things would be better if we were less reactive and more contemplative. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Things would be better if we were less reactive and more contemplative.

7MS Created by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Ken Wendt
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Things would be better if we were less reactive and more contemplative.</p><p><br></p><p>7MS Created by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Music: Ken Wendt</p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>558</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E28: Stand-up </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e28</link>
      <description>Every journey is made up of a million little moments, but there's usually one domino moment that makes the whole thing possible.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Stand-up </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7abfa85c-ab22-11ec-b8d5-572d44dd5056/image/Standup.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Every journey is made up of a million little moments, but there's usually one domino moment that makes the whole thing possible.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Every journey is made up of a million little moments, but there's usually one domino moment that makes the whole thing possible.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Every journey is made up of a million little moments, but there's usually one domino moment that makes the whole thing possible.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Season 2 of 7MS is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>572</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E27: Room Service </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e27</link>
      <description>Sometimes if you have big dreams, you have to do weird jobs. Today, I’ll take you inside the star-studded world of doing room service at a Holiday Inn off the Jersey Parkway.

Season 2 of 7 Minute Stories is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Room Service </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/18a9cf76-a5a0-11ec-a816-675f470bc04e/image/Room-Service__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Sometimes if you have big dreams you have to do weird jobs...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Sometimes if you have big dreams, you have to do weird jobs. Today, I’ll take you inside the star-studded world of doing room service at a Holiday Inn off the Jersey Parkway.

Season 2 of 7 Minute Stories is made possible by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes if you have big dreams, you have to do weird jobs. Today, I’ll take you inside the star-studded world of doing room service at a Holiday Inn off the Jersey Parkway.</p><p><br></p><p>Season 2 of 7 Minute Stories is made possible by Fishbowl</p><p>http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>600</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E26: Emails to the Other Side </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e26</link>
      <description>Ten years after my grandfather passed away, I decided to send him an email on the other side...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Emails to the Other Side </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:subtitle>Ten years after my grandfather passed away, I decided to send him an email on the other side...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Ten years after my grandfather passed away, I decided to send him an email on the other side...

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ten years after my grandfather passed away, I decided to send him an email on the other side...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>654</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E25: The Address Book </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e25</link>
      <description>There is a place where faded memories and forgotten people live forever. In this episode, we examine an ancient text called: The Address Book.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

This episode is brought to you by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms

Merch &amp; more at
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Address Book </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/21ef9ca8-9a71-11ec-ba09-1394565c2147/image/The-Address-Book.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>There is a place where faded memories and forgotten people live forever...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>There is a place where faded memories and forgotten people live forever. In this episode, we examine an ancient text called: The Address Book.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

This episode is brought to you by Fishbowl
http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms

Merch &amp; more at
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>There is a place where faded memories and forgotten people live forever. In this episode, we examine an ancient text called: The Address Book.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is brought to you by Fishbowl</p><p>http://joinfishbowl.com/7ms</p><p><br></p><p>Merch &amp; more at</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>598</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[21ef9ca8-9a71-11ec-ba09-1394565c2147]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E24: VR Storytelling with Elijah Allan-Blitz </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e24</link>
      <description>In this special guest episode, award-winning director Elijah Allan Blitz talks about the transformative power of Virtual Reality storytelling.

Special Guest: Elijah Allan Blitz
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Music Contributor: thomas j. duke
Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce
Photo: Michael Muller</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:31:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>VR Storytelling with Elijah Allan-Blitz </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/95d5e642-9597-11ec-977e-73ebb99e6734/image/IMG-6292__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this special guest episode, award-winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz talks about the transformative power of  Virtual Reality storytelling. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this special guest episode, award-winning director Elijah Allan Blitz talks about the transformative power of Virtual Reality storytelling.

Special Guest: Elijah Allan Blitz
Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Music Contributor: thomas j. duke
Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce
Photo: Michael Muller</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this special guest episode, award-winning director Elijah Allan Blitz talks about the transformative power of Virtual Reality storytelling.</p><p><br></p><p>Special Guest: Elijah Allan Blitz</p><p>Story Direction: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce</p><p>Photo: Michael Muller</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>505</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E23: The Bed &amp; Breakfast Redux </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e23</link>
      <description>Last year Cori &amp; Aaron booked a stay at a bed &amp; breakfast, but they didn't count on it being haunted. In this special episode, we present both Part 1 &amp; 2 of this story together.

Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bed &amp; Breakfast Redux </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/20966908-8fa5-11ec-983e-f765746e6673/image/IMG-6160.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Last year Cori &amp; Aaron booked a stay at a bed &amp; breakfast, but they didn't count on it being haunted.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Last year Cori &amp; Aaron booked a stay at a bed &amp; breakfast, but they didn't count on it being haunted. In this special episode, we present both Part 1 &amp; 2 of this story together.

Story Direction: Aaron Calafato 
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Last year Cori &amp; Aaron booked a stay at a bed &amp; breakfast, but they didn't count on it being haunted. In this special episode, we present both Part 1 &amp; 2 of this story together.</p><p><br></p><p>Story Direction: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Music: Nature Camp </p><p>Vocals and Coordination: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>932</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E22: Dr. Mann </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e22</link>
      <description>I didn't think I could relate to an astronaut stranded on a foreign planet in another galaxy. However, it ends up we may have more in common than I thought. In this episode, we explore the intergalactic adventures of Dr. Mann.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Story Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Dr. Mann </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/89334a06-8a2a-11ec-8f58-7b8652e83934/image/IMG-6076.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I didn't think I could relate to an astronaut stranded on a foreign planet in another galaxy. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I didn't think I could relate to an astronaut stranded on a foreign planet in another galaxy. However, it ends up we may have more in common than I thought. In this episode, we explore the intergalactic adventures of Dr. Mann.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Additional Vocals: Cori Birce
Story Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I didn't think I could relate to an astronaut stranded on a foreign planet in another galaxy. However, it ends up we may have more in common than I thought. In this episode, we explore the intergalactic adventures of Dr. Mann.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Additional Vocals: Cori Birce</p><p>Story Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>577</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[89334a06-8a2a-11ec-8f58-7b8652e83934]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E21: Warheads </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e21</link>
      <description>Some wars never seem to end. This one has been going on for nearly 30 years...</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Warheads</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f6f2303c-82c0-11ec-8ec7-df9bdefb4fd7/image/Warheads.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Some wars never seem to end... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Some wars never seem to end. This one has been going on for nearly 30 years...</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Some wars never seem to end. This one has been going on for nearly 30 years...</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>547</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f6f2303c-82c0-11ec-8ec7-df9bdefb4fd7]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E20: Mrs. Brown  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e20</link>
      <description>A story for all the elementary teachers out there, and one in particular, who literally helped shape the direction of my life.

From Jan-27 thru Feb-27 - One hundred percent of proceeds from 7MS Merch go to benefit Ella Canavan Elementary PTO in honor of Mrs. Brown.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Music Composition &amp; Performance: thomas j. duke
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Mrs. Brown</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/bb61abc6-7ec2-11ec-88c8-17e181f2c889/image/Gramma_Brown.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A story for all the elementary teachers out there, and one in particular, who literally helped shape the direction of my life. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A story for all the elementary teachers out there, and one in particular, who literally helped shape the direction of my life.

From Jan-27 thru Feb-27 - One hundred percent of proceeds from 7MS Merch go to benefit Ella Canavan Elementary PTO in honor of Mrs. Brown.
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato
Original Music Composition &amp; Performance: thomas j. duke
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story for all the elementary teachers out there, and one in particular, who literally helped shape the direction of my life.</p><p><br></p><p>From Jan-27 thru Feb-27 - One hundred percent of proceeds from 7MS Merch go to benefit Ella Canavan Elementary PTO in honor of Mrs. Brown.</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Original Music Composition &amp; Performance: thomas j. duke</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>597</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E19: The Date  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e19</link>
      <description>George is on his way to the most important date of his life with Marie. The only problem is, no matter how long he drives, he can never seem to get there…

This week on a new 7 Minute Stories our team presents our first-ever audio drama. It’s titled “The Date”. 
Story written by: Aaron Calafato

Characters
George: Aaron Calafato 
Female Narrator: Cori Birce
Officer Sterling: Ken Wendt 

Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: Aaron Calafato 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Date</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c25eac2a-7946-11ec-9318-1f6be7314613/image/The-Date.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>George is on his way to the most important date of his life with Marie, but there's a problem... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>George is on his way to the most important date of his life with Marie. The only problem is, no matter how long he drives, he can never seem to get there…

This week on a new 7 Minute Stories our team presents our first-ever audio drama. It’s titled “The Date”. 
Story written by: Aaron Calafato

Characters
George: Aaron Calafato 
Female Narrator: Cori Birce
Officer Sterling: Ken Wendt 

Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Art: Pete Whitehead
Original Music: Aaron Calafato 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>George is on his way to the most important date of his life with Marie. The only problem is, no matter how long he drives, he can never seem to get there…</p><p><br></p><p>This week on a new 7 Minute Stories our team presents our first-ever audio drama. It’s titled “The Date”. </p><p>Story written by: Aaron Calafato</p><p><br></p><p>Characters</p><p>George: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Female Narrator: Cori Birce</p><p>Officer Sterling: Ken Wendt </p><p><br></p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Original Music: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>504</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c25eac2a-7946-11ec-9318-1f6be7314613]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E18: The Brick Walkway  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e18</link>
      <description>I didn't know Doril Tetrick well, but I do know he was my grandfather and we built something together...

Story created &amp; 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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Brick Walkway  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b7087ffc-7245-11ec-996d-dbd46c0ab5b1/image/The-Brick-Walkway.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I didn't know Doril Tetrick well, but I do know he was my grandfather and we built something together... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I didn't know Doril Tetrick well, but I do know he was my grandfather and we built something together...

Story created &amp; 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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I didn't know Doril Tetrick well, but I do know he was my grandfather and we built something together...</p><p><br></p><p>Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>535</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b7087ffc-7245-11ec-996d-dbd46c0ab5b1]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E17: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas feat Frank Ivy </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e17</link>
      <description>Merry Christmas! Enjoy this classic rendition by Frank Ivy.
Podcast Tile by Wunderul Design</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 25 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas feat Frank Ivy </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8798b19c-6539-11ec-91a5-13206939316a/image/FI.PNG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Merry Christmas! Enjoy this classic rendition by Frank Ivy.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Merry Christmas! Enjoy this classic rendition by Frank Ivy.
Podcast Tile by Wunderul Design</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Merry Christmas! Enjoy this classic rendition by Frank Ivy.</p><p>Podcast Tile by Wunderul Design</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>519</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8798b19c-6539-11ec-91a5-13206939316a]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E16: The Man and the Birds, a Christmas Tradition </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e16</link>
      <description>A 7MS Christmas Tradition. A story by an unnamed author titled The Man and the Birds.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Man and the Birds, a Christmas Tradition </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0485e836-63ab-11ec-a3cb-8b7bbb456810/image/The-Man-and-the-Birds.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A 7MS Christmas Tradition. A story by an unnamed author titled The Man and the Birds. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A 7MS Christmas Tradition. A story by an unnamed author titled The Man and the Birds.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A 7MS Christmas Tradition. A story by an unnamed author titled The Man and the Birds. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>469</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0485e836-63ab-11ec-a3cb-8b7bbb456810]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E15: Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e15</link>
      <description>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</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2a8721ca-5e2f-11ec-b269-831b642ace0f/image/HerosGetRemembered.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A film festival, The Sandlot and the weekend we hung out with Art Lafleur.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A film festival, The Sandlot, and the weekend we hung out with Art Lafleur.</p><p>*RIP Art Lafleur 1943-2021</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Story Consultant: Jon Wagner</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>519</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[2a8721ca-5e2f-11ec-b269-831b642ace0f]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E14: The Cult Leader </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e14</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Cult Leader </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d60c5bce-58a7-11ec-a6ee-63c1e640530b/image/Cult_leader__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A fascination with cults and the dangerous road one must travel to become a cult leader. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A fascination with cults and the dangerous road one must travel to become a cult leader.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead </p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>559</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[d60c5bce-58a7-11ec-a6ee-63c1e640530b]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E13:  Thanksgiving Sides! </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e13</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Thanksgiving Sides! </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/2c679ba0-4d77-11ec-b09d-df7274c9279c/image/IMG-5169.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle> Cori and I have to decide what Thanksgiving sides will make the cut for our holiday meal. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Luciana!</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>621</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E12: The Time Capsule (7MS Team Pick) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e12</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Time Capsule (7MS Team Pick) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ea497358-47b6-11ec-9609-d32abda5a97a/image/TimeCapsule.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>623</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E11: All Hornets Go to Heaven  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e11</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>All Hornets Go to Heaven  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c48090f2-42a2-11ec-be10-872492190eed/image/All-Hornets-Go-To-Heaven_ver2.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>An intense rivalry with a hornet, a death chamber, and a quest for salvation. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week: An intense rivalry with a hornet, a death chamber, and a quest for salvation.</p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Orginal Music: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>582</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E10: Door to Door Salesmen </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e10</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Door to Door Salesmen </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d19b412c-3d1d-11ec-9758-b74403a012c5/image/DoorToDoorSalesperson.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A rivalry with a door-to-door salesperson ends in an embarrassing fashion. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A rivalry with a door-to-door salesperson ends in an embarrassing fashion.</p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>565</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E9: Do you Believe in Ghosts? </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e9</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Do you Believe in Ghosts? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a458da8e-3030-11ec-b882-c796e780b412/image/Halloween-DoYouBelieve_02__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A simple question to my future wife elicits an unexpected ghost story. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A simple question to my future wife elicits an unexpected ghost story. </p><p><br></p><p>Happy Halloween! </p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story produced by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Featuring: Cori Birce</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>708</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E8: The Last Blockbuster  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e8</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Last Blockbuster  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c2e4f85c-3026-11ec-9a75-67112bd43036/image/The-Last-Blockbuster__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A chance viewing of a documentary triggers a vivid memory of renting movies at Blockbuster. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A chance viewing of a documentary triggers a vivid memory of renting movies at Blockbuster. </p><p><br></p><p>*This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>588</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E7: A 7 Minute Journey with Mark Metry </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e7</link>
      <description>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 Contributor: thomas j. duke
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A 7 Minute Journey with Mark Metry </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/772d04a8-2c94-11ec-a532-47d3f0e2055e/image/F545AC94-0029-4ADB-8E56-A85C89303599__1_.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Mark Metry is an author, podcast host, and TEDx keynote speaker. But once upon a time, Mark suffered severely from social anxiety...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 Contributor: thomas j. duke
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Learn more about Mark at https://www.markmetry.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story Production: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>654</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E6: SeaWorld  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e6</link>
      <description>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: Lennon Janovyak </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>SeaWorld   </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0e56c4f0-2712-11ec-af7e-8f99c13fdb72/image/Racing-Shamu.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This week, a race against Shamu and insight into the world of a captive orca. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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: Lennon Janovyak </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This week, a race against Shamu and insight into the world of a captive orca.</p><p><br></p><p>Ironically, this episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS Merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>565</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E5: Aaron's Movie Marathoners Appearance </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e5</link>
      <description>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 make sense of their fairytale. Aaron, of course, takes this a little too seriously and tries to explain the deeper emotional impact of the film. He goes on to talk about the movie The Sandlot, The Great Babino, and Aaron's dream scenario as a professional baseball player.

Correction 
At the beginning of the episode, Aaron mentioned an upcoming live talk he’s doing on Fishbowl. The correct date is October 4th @ 8 pm. Download the Fishbowl app today to rsvp and say hello! 

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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Aaron's Movie Marathoner's Appearance </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f122e612-1fae-11ec-b104-f7bf2ac029a7/image/7MM-podcast-logo-BLK-High-Quality-JPG-3000x3000__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Today's episode features a 7 Minute Segment from an appearance Aaron made on the Movie Marathoners Podcast</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 make sense of their fairytale. Aaron, of course, takes this a little too seriously and tries to explain the deeper emotional impact of the film. He goes on to talk about the movie The Sandlot, The Great Babino, and Aaron's dream scenario as a professional baseball player.

Correction 
At the beginning of the episode, Aaron mentioned an upcoming live talk he’s doing on Fishbowl. The correct date is October 4th @ 8 pm. Download the Fishbowl app today to rsvp and say hello! 

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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p>You can find full episodes of Movie Marathoners on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.</p><p>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 make sense of their fairytale. Aaron, of course, takes this a little too seriously and tries to explain the deeper emotional impact of the film. He goes on to talk about the movie The Sandlot, The Great Babino, and Aaron's dream scenario as a professional baseball player.</p><p><br></p><p>Correction </p><p><em>At the beginning of the episode, Aaron mentioned an upcoming live talk he’s doing on Fishbowl. The correct date is October 4th @ 8 pm. Download the Fishbowl app today to rsvp and say hello! </em></p><p><br></p><p>This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>578</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E4: Semi-Soulmates </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e4</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Semi-Soulmates</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/57d8918e-166f-11ec-8c59-93ec71aac788/image/SemiSoulmatesver-2.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Two unsuspecting people find themselves on a cosmic collision course. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Two unsuspecting people find themselves on a cosmic collision course. </p><p><br></p><p>This episode is made possible by <strong>Fishbowl</strong>.</p><p>Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>633</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E3: Missing Person  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e3</link>
      <description>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 Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Missing Person  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/862fe768-1669-11ec-b604-37499e3e5b51/image/Missing.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A search for a missing person and my love of mozzarella sticks culminates with a surprise ending. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A search for a missing person and my love of mozzarella sticks culminates with a surprise ending.</p><p> </p><p>Get your 7MS Merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p> </p><p>This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p> </p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>576</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E2: Batman and Robin  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e2</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Batman and Robin  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d7b1093a-0441-11ec-ad1e-6f7e0ce9af9d/image/Batman-and-Robin.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A pair of legendary superheroes, a heroic story, and a surprise ending.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A pair of legendary superheroes, a heroic story, and a surprise ending.</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS Merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>565</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>S2 E1: America </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2e1</link>
      <description>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: Anthony Vorndran 
Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>America </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/71d028ce-e8be-11eb-8e9b-3b7c7240fdcf/image/America.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I join an unlikely sports team and find America in the process..</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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: Anthony Vorndran 
Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Season 2 of 7 Minute Stories starts today! This episode: I join an unlikely sports team and find America in the process...</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS Merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today!</p><p>https://www.fishbowlapp.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>584</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[71d028ce-e8be-11eb-8e9b-3b7c7240fdcf]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Introducing 7 Minute Stories Season 2 </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/introducingseason2</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Introducing 7 Minute Stories Season 2 </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>2</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0d5643ea-fb99-11eb-828f-3369f8955cc9/image/7MM-podcast-logo-high-quality-JPG-3000x3000__1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The second season of 7 Minute Stories is almost underway... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The second season of 7 Minute Stories is almost underway and that means more weekly adventures from Aaron Calafato and more.</p><p>7MS Season 2 officially launches on Thursday, September 2nd wherever you find podcasts!</p><p>Original Song: A Heroine's Welcome</p><p>Music by TJ Duke and Ben Gmetro of Nature Camp</p><p>https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>163</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0d5643ea-fb99-11eb-828f-3369f8955cc9]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 136 - 7 Minutes with Nina Turner  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/136</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> 7 Minutes with Nina Turner  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>136</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/f4578fda-ea94-11eb-ba3d-57c93c66d6b8/image/nina2.PNG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Nina Turner explains why rocking the boat is synonymous with positive social change.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Nina Turner explains why rocking the boat is synonymous with positive social change.</p><p><br></p><p>More about Nina Turner</p><p>https://ninaturner.com/</p><p><br></p><p>Story Production: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>497</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[f4578fda-ea94-11eb-ba3d-57c93c66d6b8]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Announcing Season 2 </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/s2announcement</link>
      <description>7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format. Season 2 starts in September 2021!</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Announcing Season 2 </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fac02cd2-d497-11eb-91ab-0fa318f67460/image/Untitled-1.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format!</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format. Season 2 starts in September 2021!</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format. Season 2 starts in September 2021!</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>243</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[fac02cd2-d497-11eb-91ab-0fa318f67460]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9425305593.mp3?updated=1624503932" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 135 - 7 Minutes with Jay Crawford </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/135</link>
      <description>Sports journalist &amp; 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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> 7 Minutes with Jay Crawford </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>135</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a3efe998-c3ca-11eb-a247-777acbf2c767/image/7MM-podcast-logo-high-quality-JPG-3000x3000.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Sports journalist &amp; anchor Jay Crawford shares a deeply personal story about his father, post-season baseball, and the virtue of optimism.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Sports journalist &amp; 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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sports journalist &amp; anchor Jay Crawford shares a deeply personal story about his father, post-season baseball, and the virtue of optimism.</p><p><br></p><p>Story Production: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>755</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a3efe998-c3ca-11eb-a247-777acbf2c767]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 134 - Field of Dreams (7MS Team Pick)  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/134</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Field of Dreams (7MS Team Pick)  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>134</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3a1d5d5e-be91-11eb-b4f8-1f89c9f21497/image/Field-of-Dreams.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The intersection of the iconic movie and a legendary baseball game with my dad.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The intersection of the iconic movie and a legendary baseball game with my dad. A primer for next week's episode featuring Jay Crawford.</p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>561</itunes:duration>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 133 - Announcement &amp; Mini-Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/133</link>
      <description>Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS &amp; 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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Announcement &amp; Mini-Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>133</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/aeb078c6-b91f-11eb-a946-b76c984e32ed/image/Untitled-5.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS &amp; tells a mini-story that reveals a special guest. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS &amp; 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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS &amp; tells a mini-story that reveals a special guest.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Special Logo Design: Alex Collier</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>490</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[aeb078c6-b91f-11eb-a946-b76c984e32ed]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 132 - 7 Minutes with IN-Q </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/132</link>
      <description>A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter &amp; 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</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7 Minutes with IN-Q </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>132</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e91c04ec-b39a-11eb-8bde-43d04f495ed3/image/inbw2.PNG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter &amp; best-selling author. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter &amp; 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</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter &amp; best-selling author. </p><p>Connect with IN-Q</p><p>https://in-q.com/</p><p><em>IN-Q recently launched a new podcast. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts. </em></p><p><br></p><p>Story Production: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Photo: Michael Wahba</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Original Guitar Composition: Aaron Calafato</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>616</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[e91c04ec-b39a-11eb-8bde-43d04f495ed3]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 131 - Remembering Olympia </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/131</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Remembering Olympia </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>131</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/ea09c9b4-adc0-11eb-bc9d-9b5eec3c97e6/image/OliviaDukakis_02.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Over 10 years ago I had a conversation with Olympia Dukakis. What she said changed the course of my life.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Over 10 years ago I had a conversation with Olympia Dukakis. What she said changed the course of my life.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>583</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ea09c9b4-adc0-11eb-bc9d-9b5eec3c97e6]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 130 - Lorenzo and the Apple</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/130</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Lorenzo and the Apple</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>130</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0efe315c-a82a-11eb-8cbb-0f73b88c9edc/image/granny-smith-and-peanut-butter.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>On the first day of 3rd grade I discovered a forbidden fruit…   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On the first day of 3rd grade I discovered a forbidden fruit…  </p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>528</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0efe315c-a82a-11eb-8cbb-0f73b88c9edc]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6377486581.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 129 - 7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 2)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/129</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Apr 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 2)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>129</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c3e99e4a-a30b-11eb-853c-c7db3bb9c749/image/Jim_Warren353_copy.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Part 2 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Part 2 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard.</p><p><br></p><p>*Watch Maurice Benard's Show "State of Mind" on YouTube</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg</p><p><br></p><p>Story Production: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Photo: Jim Warren</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>560</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c3e99e4a-a30b-11eb-853c-c7db3bb9c749]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2059900256.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 128 - 7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 1)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/128</link>
      <description>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</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 1)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>128</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1c942b04-9d63-11eb-bff1-53c02a1cae49/image/Maurice-Benard-State-of-Mind-shirt.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Part 1 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Part 1 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard.</p><p>Story produced by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  </p><p><br></p><p>*Watch Maurice Benard's Show State of Mind on YouTube</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>691</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1c942b04-9d63-11eb-bff1-53c02a1cae49]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4655348656.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 127 - Sonny Corinthos OR Sonny with a chance of Aaron </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/127</link>
      <description>The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.   
Story concept &amp; 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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sonny Corinthos OR Sonny with a chance of Aaron </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>127</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/cffc3250-97ae-11eb-a5ac-33ed30da3a2b/image/Maurice-Benard-illo_3-31.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.   
Story concept &amp; 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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.   </p><p>Story concept &amp; performance by: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>596</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[cffc3250-97ae-11eb-a5ac-33ed30da3a2b]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6074300146.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 126 - The Great Escape Part 2 : The Reunion </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/126</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Great Escape Part 2 : The Reunion </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>126</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/34324e5e-95ce-11eb-b81c-2751907b2c5c/image/IMG-2387.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Story by: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>Story Producer: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Music Contributor: thomas j. duke</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>427</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[34324e5e-95ce-11eb-b81c-2751907b2c5c]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN6249472301.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 125 - The Great Escape </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/125</link>
      <description>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</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2021 11:07:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Great Escape</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>125</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/406f41ec-9171-11eb-ae7b-23bea68813e9/image/Anthony-Illustration.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 2001, a young man escapes taking a final exam in high school. 20 years later, he's still on the run!   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 2001, a young man escapes taking a final exam in high school. 20 years later, he's still on the run!</p><p><br></p><p>Story told by: Anthony Vorndran</p><p>Story Producer: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p><strong><em>*Short Music Segment: </em></strong><em>The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls</em></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>670</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 124 - The Secret Antenna  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/124</link>
      <description>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!</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Secret Antenna  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>124</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7883d70e-8b4b-11eb-b155-e327a0fddbd6/image/Secret-Antenna_NPR-logo+_1_.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It all started with a painful divorce, a gift from my father and National Public Radio.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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!</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It all started with a painful divorce, a gift from my father and National Public Radio.</p><p>Subscribe to 7MS wherever you find podcasts</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/subscribe</p><p><strong>Story performed by:</strong> Aaron Calafato</p><p><strong>Audio Production:</strong> Ken Wendt </p><p><strong>Original Art:</strong> Pete Whitehead</p><p><strong>Podcast Coordinator</strong>: Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Creative Consultant:</strong> Anthony Vorndran </p><p><strong><em>*Special thanks to National Public Radio, its affiliates, programs and listeners for all the inspiration! </em></strong></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>536</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 123 - Captain Kirk  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/123</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Captain Kirk </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>123</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8a542a92-8790-11eb-b037-6fad25c77502/image/Capt-Kirk.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Our neighborhood needed a hero. On this evening, only one man could do the job.</p><p><strong>Story performed by: </strong>Aaron Calafato</p><p><strong>Audio Production:</strong> Ken Wendt </p><p><strong>Original Art: </strong>Pete Whitehead</p><p><strong>Podcast Coordinator:</strong> Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Creative Consultant: </strong>Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>527</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 122 - The Bed &amp; Breakfast Part 2</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/122</link>
      <description>The finale of the Bed &amp; Breakfast saga. How our stay at a potentially haunted B &amp; B changed my relationship with ghosts.
Story: Aaron Calafato 
Direction: Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bed &amp; Breakfast Part 2</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>122</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/13892cb2-81b6-11eb-8bc8-f7642c851ccd/image/bbpart2.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The finale of the Bed &amp; Breakfast saga. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The finale of the Bed &amp; Breakfast saga. How our stay at a potentially haunted B &amp; B changed my relationship with ghosts.
Story: Aaron Calafato 
Direction: Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The finale of the Bed &amp; Breakfast saga. How our stay at a potentially haunted B &amp; B changed my relationship with ghosts.</p><p><strong>Story:</strong> Aaron Calafato </p><p><strong>Direction: </strong>Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Audio Production: </strong>Ken Wendt </p><p><strong>Original Music:</strong> Nature Camp </p><p><strong>Podcast Coordinator:</strong> Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Creative Consultant:</strong> Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>505</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 121 - The Bed &amp; Breakfast Part 1</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/121</link>
      <description>Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed &amp; Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong.

Story: Aaron Calafato 
Direction: Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

If you haven't, please subscribe &amp; 5 star rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this!. Your listenership and support of our work matters.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:47:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bed &amp; Breakfast Part 1</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>121</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b857a532-7c4f-11eb-a1d6-035da3b77535/image/thumbnail_IMG_1765.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed &amp; Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed &amp; Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong.

Story: Aaron Calafato 
Direction: Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce
Audio Production: Ken Wendt 
Original Music: Nature Camp 
Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce
Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

If you haven't, please subscribe &amp; 5 star rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this!. Your listenership and support of our work matters.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed &amp; Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong.</p><p><br></p><p>Story: Aaron Calafato </p><p>Direction: Aaron Calafato &amp; Cori Birce</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Music: Nature Camp </p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p><br></p><ul><li>If you haven't, please subscribe &amp; 5 star rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this!. Your listenership and support of our work matters.</li></ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 120 - Born in the USA</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/120</link>
      <description>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 Original Podcast From Higher Ground


Make sure to subscribe &amp; rate 7MS!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2021 11:37:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Born in the USA</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>120</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c902233e-76f1-11eb-b916-5f8b0e92c940/image/uploads_2F1614206540283-c2s804i4zb-f48a5ed31b4bc48ed60e4e459b59a843_2FKeep-Talking.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What do Van Jones, Bruce Springsteen and a humanist author from the 1980s have to do with the future of America?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 Original Podcast From Higher Ground


Make sure to subscribe &amp; rate 7MS!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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!</p><p><strong>Story performed by:</strong> Aaron Calafato</p><p><strong>Audio Production:</strong> Ken Wendt </p><p><strong>Original Art:</strong> Pete Whitehead</p><p><strong>Podcast Coordinator:</strong> Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Creative Consultant</strong>: Anthony Vorndran </p><p><strong>Source Material: </strong></p><ul>
<li>Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business (1985) . A book by educator Neil Postman. Published by Viking Penguin</li>
<li>Renegades: Born in the USA - A Spotify Original Podcast From Higher Ground</li>
</ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Make sure to subscribe &amp; rate 7MS!</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>504</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 119 - NYC</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/119</link>
      <description>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.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>NYC</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>119</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/6c878558-6fc2-11eb-94cb-5b4fb27e490e/image/uploads_2F1613414857055-c4u0c2229m-736df38bd97014ccd27231c350ff287e_2FNYC.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>There's a reason why they call it "The Big Apple"</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>549</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 118 - Lost in Translation  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/118</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Lost in Translation  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>118</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/efd489a4-6c09-11eb-bfea-3bfa3b5a9218/image/uploads_2F1613002939155-9wl9yyydhxq-141d75334674cb5f35cefc80a4bd6038_2FLost-in-Translation.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Flirty text messages, a Pastor and Blockbuster. If that's not a recipe for disaster, I don't know what is. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Flirty text messages, a Pastor and Blockbuster. If that's not a recipe for disaster, I don't know what is.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>591</itunes:duration>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 117 - Robin Hood </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/117</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:37:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Robin Hood </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>117</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a5c3325e-6572-11eb-b440-0b25c3c6f1b0/image/uploads_2F1612379797661-v0vdh1ihix-b86f5370f97ccc84e27dd70599cff550_2FRobinHood.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how Robin Hood met Wall Street. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how Robin Hood met Wall Street.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>552</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[a5c3325e-6572-11eb-b440-0b25c3c6f1b0]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 116 - I'm Positive. I Love You...</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/116</link>
      <description>A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test.

For info and resources on COVID19 please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> I'm Positive. I Love You...</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>116</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0e1a7a14-5a8e-11eb-b002-b70cf637b8f1/image/uploads_2F1611695599798-x9c1kg2xx6-9609eadbb7bcf2129459a052687a9700_2FCovidCouple.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test.

For info and resources on COVID19 please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test.</p><p><br></p><p>For info and resources on COVID19 please visit:</p><p>https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>554</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title> Episode 115 - The Last Episode of the Year  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/115</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Last Episode of the Year </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>115</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b8ea48c8-4aaf-11eb-8d48-0f33dda9e7b0/image/uploads_2F1609341685049-0xp6zdz6lxyl-5b1bdfe0cb2df4ebbffdcdc89acc8ca2_2FIMG-0398+_281_29.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we learn more about my future wife Cori Birce as we wrap 2020 and look to brighter days in 2021.</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7 Minute Stories Hoodie! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>711</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 114 - The Night Before Christmas  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/114</link>
      <description>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 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Night Before Christmas </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>114</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fd54cfce-4596-11eb-81fc-bff8107d4206/image/uploads_2F1608783580116-f42mniuuby-8e8891697cf07491402cd81dccdd1d68_2FChristmas-Stockings.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the year. In this episode, I share some of my favorite traditions and read a Christmas classic!</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Original Poem by: Clement Clarke Moore</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>469</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 113 - The Snowman </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/113</link>
      <description>In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Snowman </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>113</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/57e9f760-3e40-11eb-8ecb-7bf20073a61f/image/uploads_2F1607973058710-ipy71wiilkf-3a3e0f72445e5852fd6f11eb2b40cf41_2FThe-Snowman.JPEG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>589</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 112 - Breakfast for Dinner </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/112</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Breakfast for Dinner</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>112</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a06643b4-38d1-11eb-9e6e-6f6d5e0a1fb1/image/uploads_2F1607375808719-67wtpalio2r-d5cfeb92ed684bb4b54266eb86711984_2FBreakfast.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>33 years ago I had a meal that I can’t stop thinking about to this day.  </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Story performed by:</strong> Aaron Calafato</p><p><strong>Audio Production</strong>: Ken Wendt </p><p><strong>Original Art</strong>: Pete Whitehead</p><p><strong>Podcast Coordinator:</strong> Cori Birce</p><p><strong>Creative Consultant: </strong>Anthony Vorndran </p><p><br></p><p>All 7 Minute Stories are free to the public. Show your support by:</p><ul>
<li>Telling your friends and family to subscribe and listen</li>
<li>Getting your 7 Minute Story merch here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>502</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 111 - The Blizzard (7MS Classic) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/111</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Blizzard (7MS Classic) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>111</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/8b754cee-34d9-11eb-9842-671772a88440/image/uploads_2F1606936583461-bb4qblswgu4-49d643dfd12267f057cd3d600dfd0850_2FIMG_0987.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Sometimes snow is good. Sometimes snow is bad. The snow during this particular road trip in the early 90s was unforgettable.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Sometimes snow is good. Sometimes snow is bad. The snow during this particular road trip in the early 90s was unforgettable.</p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p>All 7 Minute Stories are free to the public. Show your support by:</p><ul>
<li>Telling your friends and family to subscribe and listen</li>
<li>Getting your 7 Minute Story merch here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>626</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[8b754cee-34d9-11eb-9842-671772a88440]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 110 - The Wallet</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/110</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Wallet </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>110</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e1c68b0c-2f3f-11eb-a4dd-731f5739b0f1/image/uploads_2F1606322820414-css512b9rws-9d4d856ab88fc5c402c4c004c8405247_2FNormsWallet.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>A young man finds a wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy. </strong></p><p><br></p><p>Story performed by: Aaron Calafato</p><p>Story Courtesy of: Alex Collier </p><p>Audio Production: Ken Wendt </p><p>Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p><p>Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce</p><p>Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran </p><p><br></p><p>Support 7MS. Get a hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>578</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 109 - Taco Bell: An American Portrait </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/109</link>
      <description>A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth.

Support this podcast by purchasing some of our merch:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Taco Bell: An American Portrait </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>109</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/979248d6-29d2-11eb-b3f7-37545f2de17a/image/uploads_2F1605726516767-txrp4gqwq6l-4dd49ce8e10f493163a87bacfd95f8a9_2FTaco.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth.

Support this podcast by purchasing some of our merch:
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth.</p><p><br></p><p>Support this podcast by purchasing some of our merch:</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>479</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[979248d6-29d2-11eb-b3f7-37545f2de17a]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 108 - Mumford's Son (7MS Classic) </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/108</link>
      <description>This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford &amp; Sons...
Get your 7MS Hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Mumford's Son (7MS Classic) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>108</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/04d584ca-2498-11eb-92b3-4bd4bbda8226/image/uploads_2F1605152064893-xenwupgy7w-ec9170f9140c86e8a4be9fdbf36c8ead_2FMumford_27s+Son.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford &amp; Sons.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford &amp; Sons...
Get your 7MS Hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford &amp; Sons...</p><p>Get your 7MS Hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>592</itunes:duration>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[04d584ca-2498-11eb-92b3-4bd4bbda8226]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 107 - A Farewell Address </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/107</link>
      <description>Someone has to say farewell, and then, all we’ll have left is each other....

Get your 7MS Merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Farewell Address </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>107</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/affbac12-1f0c-11eb-a92a-e79f828af532/image/uploads_2F1604542402542-kgqx6vpl6zs-2d650931d85c4338fb79e09b79170f97_2FIMG-0714.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Someone has to say farewell, and then, all we’ll have left is each other....

Get your 7MS Merch!
https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Someone has to say farewell, and then, all we’ll have left is each other....</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS Merch!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>467</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[affbac12-1f0c-11eb-a92a-e79f828af532]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 106 - Scary Stories </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/106</link>
      <description>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

 </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Scary Stories </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>106</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/86d33f00-1947-11eb-8c40-8bd7a654d062/image/uploads_2F1603928619500-n71v9cjneu-ccc598924ca2e59c7653f559cc66e4d3_2FIMG-0637.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>To celebrate Halloween, I recite two of my favorite tales from the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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

 </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>To celebrate Halloween, I recite two of my favorite tales from the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.</p><ul>
<li>All story content in this episode collected and written by Alvin Schwartz.</li>
<li>Illustration by Stephen Gammell</li>
</ul><p> </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>539</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 105 - The Spaceflight   </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/105</link>
      <description>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 &amp; Airwaves
*This story is dedicated to Tom DeLonge</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Spaceflight</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>105</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c22a1a6a-140b-11eb-8ca7-1375d998cde5/image/uploads_2F1603331746047-5vozbkjjkdl-08af405ddc94a4ab842bacc6b70aabfc_2Fspace-shuttle.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; Airwaves
*This story is dedicated to Tom DeLonge</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On May 22, 2053, two childhood friends embark on an improbable galactic journey. </p><p>-Musical contribution from Anthony Vorndran</p><p>-Anthony's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQiYI5fIIOFdnUwHfdjLlMQ</p><p>-Original Song "Soul Survivor" by Angels &amp; Airwaves</p><p>*This story is dedicated to Tom DeLonge</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>570</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 104 - How To Get A Park Bench </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/104</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>How To Get A Park Bench </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>104</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/40367b5e-0e8c-11eb-99ab-f35cf5147eaf/image/uploads_2F1602725352844-mw164xy1708-5726767f6ba7f3b24d4ff0ffb3634810_2Faccb.PNG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>My fiancé Cori and I become obsessed with dedicating a park bench to ourselves, but neither us of expected this outcome.</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS mech:</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>494</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 103 - Who is James Park?  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/103</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Who is James Park? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>103</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/68bef9ae-0903-11eb-ad60-53dd9b635708/image/uploads_2F1602118723586-qgij726oqid-ef17af2fa339b40689bc7a336bbc5823_2FJamesPark.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An empty park bench and a mysterious man help me uncover a secret about my humanity.</p><p><br></p><p>Like 7MS?</p><p>Show your support by getting a cool tee shirt or hoodie for yourself!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>539</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[68bef9ae-0903-11eb-ad60-53dd9b635708]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 102 - A Mental Health Conversation </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/102</link>
      <description>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 is struggling with mental health. Here are some resources:
Ohio Guidestone (Ohio)
https://ohioguidestone.org/
Mental Health Gov 
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help
Suicide Prevention Hotline 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Mental Health Conversation with Monica Mlinac </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>102</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/be38a736-0381-11eb-9a89-afc67a2e4379/image/uploads_2F1602183816710-6sp27njh43m-b555b41208777f28a4e8dc10d16b79da_2F7MSlowerres.PNG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A Mental Health Conversation </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 is struggling with mental health. Here are some resources:
Ohio Guidestone (Ohio)
https://ohioguidestone.org/
Mental Health Gov 
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help
Suicide Prevention Hotline 
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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. </p><p><strong>In our talk we discuss:</strong></p><ul>
<li>The toll the pandemic is taking on mental health</li>
<li>The stigma of mental illness</li>
<li>Resources for seeking mental wellness</li>
<li>Monica's inspiration for working in social services</li>
</ul><p><br></p><p>If you someone you know is struggling with mental health. Here are some resources:</p><p><strong>Ohio Guidestone (Ohio)</strong></p><p>https://ohioguidestone.org/</p><p><strong>Mental Health Gov </strong></p><p>https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help</p><p><strong>Suicide Prevention Hotline </strong></p><p>https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>840</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[be38a736-0381-11eb-9a89-afc67a2e4379]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7051263611.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 101 - The Confession </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/101</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Confession </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>101</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1ca50354-fe0b-11ea-aba9-3fc15704bab9/image/uploads_2F1600913390737-gwjiu8bbgwn-afa61fcf7806b10814576df492860c62_2Fthe-confession.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>There is something I haven’t told you about myself...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>There is something I haven’t told you about myself. In fact, I’ve been hiding it for nearly 30 years…</p><p><br></p><p>Support this podcast by getting some 7MS gear!</p><p>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>501</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1ca50354-fe0b-11ea-aba9-3fc15704bab9]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 100: 7 Questions in 7 Minutes </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/100</link>
      <description></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7 Questions in 7 Minutes </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>100</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/c51fc806-f88a-11ea-a019-c79bea9c3018/image/uploads_2F1600308802554-ztekz032eyj-9cdf8f907f46c3551062f80ee9b24e97_2FIMG-9930.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary></itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>615</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c51fc806-f88a-11ea-a019-c79bea9c3018]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 99: A Conversation with TJ Duke  </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/99</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> A Conversation with TJ Duke  </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>99</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/dbf977d8-f30e-11ea-aec2-ab5f4e56acc9/image/uploads_2F1599705374635-p7jvzv78yt-d0b7983da9d0e8c2f41974009965d42b_2FIMG-9737.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In this special episode, I talk with TJ Duke (Musician and Cloud Nothings Bassist)</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this special episode, I talk with TJ Duke (Musician and <a href="http://www.cloudnothings.com/">Cloud Nothings </a>Bassist) about his musical process, our latest 7MS collaboration and creating during COVID19.</p><p>Music from TJ - https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</p><p>7MS Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>568</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[dbf977d8-f30e-11ea-aec2-ab5f4e56acc9]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9221305828.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 98 - The Legend of Ali </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/98</link>
      <description>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 &amp; Ben Gmetro

Listen to more of their sound at https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/


Get your 7MS T-Shirt Today: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Legend of Ali </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>98</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/851fad4c-d126-11ea-8755-efb51af2b3f9/image/uploads_2F1595977379018-xfk1fpmmkk-ab8d5aeecc5fe9e70ffb138f16644366_2Fali.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>What do a mysterious deer, a legendary wiffle ball tournament and a Joni Mitchell song have in common? </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; Ben Gmetro

Listen to more of their sound at https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/


Get your 7MS T-Shirt Today: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What do a mysterious deer, a legendary wiffle ball tournament and a Joni Mitchell song have in common? As it turns out, everything.</p><p>*This story was remixed in collaboration with musicians TJ Duke &amp; Ben Gmetro</p><ul>
<li>Listen to more of their sound at <a href="https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/">https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</a>
</li>
<li>Get your 7MS T-Shirt Today: <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a>
</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>634</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[851fad4c-d126-11ea-8755-efb51af2b3f9]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 97: Sonny Corinthos </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/97</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sonny Corinthos </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>97</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7415ded6-e805-11ea-8822-33fc75c5bb20/image/uploads_2F1598491130423-jgfmfx46eq-b72a2f2ed29dbf2c9b5135345d854663_2FSonnyCorinthos.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how a one of a kind soap star inadvertently solidified one of the most important relationships of my life.</p><ul>
<li>We want to hear from you! Call or Text 216-352-4010 and tell us what you think of the podcast.</li>
<li>Get your 7MS Merch at <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a>
</li>
</ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>520</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[7415ded6-e805-11ea-8822-33fc75c5bb20]]></guid>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 96: The Apartment </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/96</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Apartment</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>96</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0516b826-e228-11ea-ac6d-eb27630218f1/image/uploads_2F1597847123171-5k119ncrooy-13e9fcbe7cf14a389bd92b019a061887_2Fthe-Apartment.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I knew something was wrong when we arrived at our new apartment, but I could never imagine what would happened next.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I knew something was wrong when we arrived at our new apartment, but I could never imagine what would happened next.</p><p><br></p><p>Get your 7MS Merch:</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>488</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[0516b826-e228-11ea-ac6d-eb27630218f1]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Summer Break </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/summerbreak</link>
      <description>An announcement about the 7 Minute Stories schedule, plus exciting news and updates!</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2020 10:40:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Summer Break </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/e08597be-c712-11ea-83e3-9fac7d912ba3/image/uploads_2F1594869221321-352z1wmw9u-9b9ac257be2c3ebb664c5e7cfc796344_2F7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle></itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>An announcement about the 7 Minute Stories schedule, plus exciting news and updates!</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>An announcement about the 7 Minute Stories schedule, plus exciting news and updates!</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>423</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 95 - Field of Dreams </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/95</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2020 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Field of Dreams </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>95</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9d80f5b2-c19a-11ea-8119-278b06d1de6e/image/uploads_2F1594267755781-5acco47iwdc-596bd6c36ae484896a0ccdd2378f3714_2FField-of-Dreams.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A story about a father and son, a baseball game in Cleveland and the meaning of America’s Pastime </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story about a father and son, a baseball game in Cleveland and the meaning of America’s Pastime.</p><p>7MS Merch: <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>522</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 94 - Break on Through to the Other Side </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/94</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2020 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Break on Through to the Other Side </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>94</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/0be66b2c-bc0f-11ea-adda-e367035b52ab/image/uploads_2F1593658038489-e6puvara8wr-741a1d5844cfdfbe0a5755a3be133610_2FBreak_On_Through+_281_29.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A harrowing story about how destroying my own basement plumbing brought me closer to the ghosts of our ancestors. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A harrowing story about how destroying my own basement plumbing brought me closer to the ghosts of our ancestors. </p><p>Support this podcast by getting your 7MS Merch</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>533</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 93 - An Act of God, written by Meg Jakary </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/93</link>
      <description>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) &amp; recited by host Aaron Calafato*
Visit https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ and pitch us your 7 Minute Story!</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>An Act of God, written by Meg Jakary </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>93</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/64b7d0ae-b68f-11ea-ad91-b395e727c593/image/uploads_2F1593053562832-wumwwbcsjy-6bae1d3841053ffd04b6f027cc014200_2FToilet-paper.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>During a global pandemic, a trip to the store to buy toilette paper requires divine intervention. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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) &amp; recited by host Aaron Calafato*
Visit https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ and pitch us your 7 Minute Story!</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>During a global pandemic, a trip to the store to buy toilette paper requires divine intervention.</p><p>*This story was written and submitted by a listener (Meg Jakary) &amp; recited by host Aaron Calafato*</p><p>Visit <a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a> and pitch us your 7 Minute Story!</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[64b7d0ae-b68f-11ea-ad91-b395e727c593]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 92- The Bronx is Burning </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/92</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bronx is Burning </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>92</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/702381f8-b10e-11ea-b75f-df20806f7ba9/image/uploads_2F1592448546034-6iac2nxe9ym-3bb09d04fee12000dd7d3d8c1b1848a5_2FBronx-is-Burning.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of an acting gig gone awry. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>7MS Merch:</p><p><a href="https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/">https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>527</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[702381f8-b10e-11ea-b75f-df20806f7ba9]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 91 - The Gettysburg Address, Common People &amp; Heart-Soul Agreement </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/91</link>
      <description>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/ original song "In the Beginning" composed &amp; performed by TJ Duke &amp; Ben Gmetro 
More about Nina Turner - https://www.ninaturner.org/
More music from Tj &amp; Ben - https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:35:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> The Gettysburg Address, Common People &amp; Heart-Soul Agreement </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>91</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9bfa3348-ab97-11ea-aeb2-db4d92f5e665/image/uploads_2F1591847604847-flo9if5n3pd-82b662483590af4e3784e8f949ce7e11_2FIMG-8875.JPG?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode is multimedia story in three parts</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/ original song "In the Beginning" composed &amp; performed by TJ Duke &amp; Ben Gmetro 
More about Nina Turner - https://www.ninaturner.org/
More music from Tj &amp; Ben - https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode is multimedia story in three parts:  </p><p>Part 1 "The Gettysburg Address" by President Abraham Lincoln, recited by Aaron Calafato  </p><p>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.</p><p>More music from Ken Wendt - <a href="http://fluentk.com/">http://fluentk.com/</a></p><p>Part 3: "Heart-Soul Agreement" A excerpt from a speech by former Senator Nina Turner at the 2017 People's Summit mixed w/ original song "In the Beginning" composed &amp; performed by TJ Duke &amp; Ben Gmetro </p><p>More about Nina Turner - <a href="https://www.ninaturner.org/">https://www.ninaturner.org/</a></p><p>More music from Tj &amp; Ben - <a href="https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/">https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/</a></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>482</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 90 - 7 Minutes of Reflection</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/90</link>
      <description>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 &amp; Performance of Original Song “Finding Space” : Ken Wendt Episode Consultant: Anthony Vorndran</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7 Minutes of Reflection </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>90</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/95abd0cc-a9ae-11ea-9318-6331ac051aed/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I was racking my brain trying to figure out what episode I should put out today considering where we are in America... So, I figured something we could offer would be 7 minutes of reflection. I know I'm going to be using it. Please use it as you will....</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; Performance of Original Song “Finding Space” : Ken Wendt Episode Consultant: Anthony Vorndran</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; Performance of Original Song “Finding Space” : Ken Wendt Episode Consultant: Anthony Vorndran</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>486</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[6bd96594-72b7-4661-bf64-1024aa8c2deb]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 89 - The Gun (7ms Team Favorite)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/89</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2020 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Gun (7ms Team Favorite) </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>89</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/95c47e56-a9ae-11ea-9318-b7c6e9f20931/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>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! </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>653</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[41a654d2-e77d-42e9-9ef9-c1913509772a]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 88 - The D-Day Prayer </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/88</link>
      <description>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.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The D-Day Prayer </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>88</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/95ebfecc-a9ae-11ea-9318-f3eea0c252b7/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>525</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ea62f502-8135-4cd2-ac9d-1c71e8e064cd]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN4288021836.mp3?updated=1626814719" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 87- Surprise Music Episode</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/87</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2020 21:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Surprise Music Episode </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>87</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/96049c2a-a9ae-11ea-9318-432b571e637f/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>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 </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>421</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[c7b6b538-ff9d-4ed6-915d-258bc5b01ce1]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7261512457.mp3?updated=1626814687" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 86 - The Potato Bar</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/86</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2020 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Potato Bar</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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:</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Episode 85 - Stories in a Box (7MS Team Pick)</title>
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      <itunes:subtitle>My grandfather taught me much of what I know about the art of storytelling. Years after his death, I discovered 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...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
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      <title>Episode 84 - Rooster: A Guest Story by C.W. Schultz </title>
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      <description>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/</description>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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   7ms Merch </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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      <title>Episode 83 - Growing Up in the Rearview (Remastered)</title>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Growing Up in the Rearview (Remastered) </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>83</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; 5 star rate this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 82 - The Tornado </title>
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      <description>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 &amp; review this podcast! 7ms merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Tornado </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>82</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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 and review this podcast!  7ms merch </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; review this podcast! 7ms merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; review this podcast! 7ms merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 81 - Life in a House</title>
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      <description>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 &amp; rate this podcast 7ms Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2020 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Life in a House </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>81</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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 &amp; rate this podcast   7ms Merch: </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; rate this podcast 7ms Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; rate this podcast 7ms Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 80 - The Time Capsule</title>
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      <description>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 &amp; 5 Star this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Time Capsule </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>80</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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 &amp; 5 Star this podcast!    7ms Merch:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; 5 Star this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; 5 Star this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 79 - Stop and Smell the Roses</title>
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      <description>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 &amp; 5 star this podcast! 7MS Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Stop and Smell the Roses</itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>79</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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 &amp; 5 star this podcast!   7MS Merch </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; 5 star this podcast! 7MS Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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      <title>Episode 78 - 7ms Classic: The Amish (COVID-19 Intro)</title>
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      <description>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 &amp; rate this program on Apple Podcasts! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2020 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>7ms Classic: The Amish (COVID-19 Intro)  </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>78</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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.  Description: Sitting at a traffic light, I looked at the world falling apart around...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; rate this program on Apple Podcasts! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; rate this program on Apple Podcasts! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 77 - Pale Blue Dot (Classic Story Remix)</title>
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      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Pale Blue Dot (Classic Story Remix)  </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>77</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 76 - Something's Lost but Something's Gained OR The Legend of Ali and the Wiffle Ball</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/76</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Something's Lost but Something's Gained OR The Legend of Ali and the Wiffle Ball </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>76</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>A legendary wiffle ball tournament and an unexpected misfortune merge into one of the most memorable days of my life. 7MS Merch</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 75 - Japan: A Guest Story by Anthony Vorndran </title>
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      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Feb 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
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      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 74 - Rage on the Turnpike </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/74</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Rage on the Turnpike </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>74</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>On a hot summer day in 2008, a traffic jam on the Jersey Turnpike turns into a violent encounter. Get your 7ms merch -</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 73 - Larry King and the Pretzel Rods</title>
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      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Feb 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Larry King and the Pretzel Rods</itunes:title>
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      <itunes:episode>73</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 72 - Special Guest: Nina Turner</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/72</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Guest: Nina Turner </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>72</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 71 - The Rookie of the Year</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/71</link>
      <description>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/ </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Rookie of the Year </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>71</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/ </itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/ </p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 70 - The Interview</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/70</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Interview </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>70</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, I had an interview with the potential to change everything… 7MS Merch -</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 69 - Heard it Through the Grapevine</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/69</link>
      <description>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 &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Direction: Anthony Vorndran Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt Original Art: Pete Whitehead</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Heard it Through the Grapevine</itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>69</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>The possibility of rock immortality hinges on my band’s performance at a very special high school talent show.   7ms merch at    Story created &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato   Story Direction: Anthony Vorndran   Podcast...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Direction: Anthony Vorndran Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt Original Art: Pete Whitehead</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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 &amp; performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Direction: Anthony Vorndran Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt Original Art: Pete Whitehead</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>560</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 68 - The Spotlight or A Love Letter to Richard Greenberg </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/68</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Spotlight or A Love Letter to Richard Greenberg </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>68</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 67 - The Last Story of the Year</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/67</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2019 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Last Story of the Year </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>67</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>In this last episode of 2019 , 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   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 66 - A Christmas Story with no Author </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/66</link>
      <description>Every Christmas Eve, I listen to a beautiful story recited and made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey. It’s called “The Man &amp; 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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>A Christmas Story with no Author </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>66</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>Every Christmas Eve, I listen to a beautiful story recited and made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey. It’s called “The Man &amp; the Birds”, and ironically, nobody has been able to find the original author. This holiday season, I’d like to...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Every Christmas Eve, I listen to a beautiful story recited and made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey. It’s called “The Man &amp; 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/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>Every Christmas Eve, I listen to a beautiful story recited and made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey. It’s called “The Man &amp; 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/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>476</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 65 - The Yoga Class</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/65</link>
      <description>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</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Yoga Class </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>65</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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:   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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. </p><p>Be a part of the 7MS Community: https://7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>505</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 64 - Guest Storyteller: Mr. Klaus</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/64</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Guest Storyteller: Mr. Klaus </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>64</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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 Mark Klaus. I interviewed Mark a couple years ago, and in this 7 Minute Segment, he explains...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>765</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 63 - A Thanksgiving to Remember</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/63</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> A Thanksgiving to Remember </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>63</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>Hosting at my house for the first time triggers a poignant memory of Thanksgiving past. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community!</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>514</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 62 - (Flashback Episode) The Perfect Day</title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_62_Perf_Day_v2.mp3</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Episode 62 - (Flashback Episode) The Perfect Day </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>62</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>542</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 61 - The Bus Ride </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/61</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Bus Ride </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>61</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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!</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>504</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 60 - Special Guest: Matt Fish </title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_60_Matt_fish.mp3</link>
      <description>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/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Guest: Matt Fish </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>60</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>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! </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>536</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 59 - Halloween Special: The House in the Woods </title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7ms_ep59_halloween_19_V1.mp3</link>
      <description>I was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made me question everything.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Halloween Special - The House in the Woods </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>59</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>I was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made me question everything.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made me question everything.</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>I was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made me question everything.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>495</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 58 - Me, Cameron Crowe and the Myth of Elizabethtown</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/58</link>
      <description>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.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2019 10:30:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Me, Cameron Crowe and the Myth of Elizabethtown</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>58</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/99d144b6-a9ae-11ea-9318-f3e73a9e80b9/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>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.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>495</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 57 - Special Guest: Bill Squire</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/57</link>
      <description>In 2018, I did an interview with comedian and radio personality Bill Squire. In this 7 minute segment from that conversation, we discuss how comedy can be a vital platform to explore racism in America. More about Bill at https://billsquire.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Guest: Bill Squire</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>57</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/99eff118-a9ae-11ea-9318-bfe17cbd4ff1/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 2018, I did an interview with comedian and radio personality Bill Squire. In this 7 minute segment from that conversation, we discuss how comedy can be a vital platform to explore racism in America. More about Bill at </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 2018, I did an interview with comedian and radio personality Bill Squire. In this 7 minute segment from that conversation, we discuss how comedy can be a vital platform to explore racism in America. More about Bill at https://billsquire.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 2018, I did an interview with comedian and radio personality Bill Squire. In this 7 minute segment from that conversation, we discuss how comedy can be a vital platform to explore racism in America. More about Bill at https://billsquire.com/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>505</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Fan Favorite (Episode 16 - Lady of Maine)</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/56</link>
      <description>Please enjoy this fan favorite from early on in the 7 minute Story podcast series! How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Fan Favorite (Episode 16 - Lady of Maine)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>56</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9a0ddc6e-a9ae-11ea-9318-0b1021c3f699/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Please enjoy this fan favorite from early on in the 7 minute Story podcast series! How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Please enjoy this fan favorite from early on in the 7 minute Story podcast series! How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Please enjoy this fan favorite from early on in the 7 minute Story podcast series! How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 55 - Sunday Sauce </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/55</link>
      <description>A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Sunday Sauce </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>55</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9a259ac0-a9ae-11ea-9318-eb9426cc4e10/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>491</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 54 - Dream until your dream comes true</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/54</link>
      <description>A story that starts with a dream of becoming an actor in New York City, and ends with a surprise twist involving an unexpected guardian angel...</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Dream until your dream comes true </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>54</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9a3b5630-a9ae-11ea-9318-0b9b00f52c60/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A story that starts with a dream of becoming an actor in New York City, and ends with a surprise twist involving an unexpected guardian angel.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A story that starts with a dream of becoming an actor in New York City, and ends with a surprise twist involving an unexpected guardian angel...</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story that starts with a dream of becoming an actor in New York City, and ends with a surprise twist involving an unexpected guardian angel...</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>519</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 53 - My way on the highway</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/53</link>
      <description>A story spanning three generations, guided by the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton, all culminating with an emotional tirade at a local coffee establishment.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>My way on the highway </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>53</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>A story spanning three generations, guided by the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton, all culminating with an emotional tirade at a local coffee establishment.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A story spanning three generations, guided by the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton, all culminating with an emotional tirade at a local coffee establishment.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A story spanning three generations, guided by the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton, all culminating with an emotional tirade at a local coffee establishment.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>522</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 52 - Guest Storyteller: Dennis Kucinich</title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_52_Final_1.1.mp3</link>
      <description>In 2018, Dennis Kucinich was running to become the next Governor of Ohio. During that busy campaign, I sat down with him for an interview. This special episode of 7ms features the most compelling 7 minutes from that conversation. In it, Mr. Kucinich talks with me about growing up in the inner city, his views on the military industrial complex, and a specific moment in his life that he’ll never forget.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Guest Storyteller: Dennis Kucinich </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>52</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ab2c512-a9ae-11ea-9318-fb651f93b8ba/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In 2018, Dennis Kucinich was running to become the next Governor of Ohio. During that busy campaign, I sat down with him for an interview. This special episode of 7ms features the most compelling 7 minutes from that conversation. In it, Mr. Kucinich...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In 2018, Dennis Kucinich was running to become the next Governor of Ohio. During that busy campaign, I sat down with him for an interview. This special episode of 7ms features the most compelling 7 minutes from that conversation. In it, Mr. Kucinich talks with me about growing up in the inner city, his views on the military industrial complex, and a specific moment in his life that he’ll never forget.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In 2018, Dennis Kucinich was running to become the next Governor of Ohio. During that busy campaign, I sat down with him for an interview. This special episode of 7ms features the most compelling 7 minutes from that conversation. In it, Mr. Kucinich talks with me about growing up in the inner city, his views on the military industrial complex, and a specific moment in his life that he’ll never forget.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>741</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 51: Barnes &amp; Noble: A Love Story</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/51</link>
      <description>Why do the places where we spend our time mean so much to us? In this story, I explain how a trip to a local Barnes &amp; Noble with my girlfriend became a launching pad for our love story.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Barnes &amp; Noble: A Love Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>51</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ad0a97e-a9ae-11ea-9318-8769fa2bc04c/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Why do the places where we spend our time mean so much to us? In this story, I explain how a trip to a local Barnes &amp; Noble with my girlfriend became a launching pad for our love story.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Why do the places where we spend our time mean so much to us? In this story, I explain how a trip to a local Barnes &amp; Noble with my girlfriend became a launching pad for our love story.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Why do the places where we spend our time mean so much to us? In this story, I explain how a trip to a local Barnes &amp; Noble with my girlfriend became a launching pad for our love story.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>513</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Special 50th Episode </title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_50_final_1.1.mp3</link>
      <description>This episode breaks format a bit &amp; features a 21 minute conversation between my girlfriend &amp; life partner Cori Birce and I. We reflect back on the last 49 stories, a growing audience, our life together, and looking to the future. You may recognize Cori’s wonderful voice at the beginning of every 7 Minute Story. She has been with me since the start of this journey and I think you’ll agree that she’s the perfect guest for our first retrospective.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special 50th Episode </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>50</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9aee7e72-a9ae-11ea-9318-ab10956b1ebc/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode breaks format a bit &amp; features a 21 minute conversation between my girlfriend &amp; life partner Cori Birce and I. We reflect back on the last 49 stories, a growing audience, our life together, and looking to the future. You may...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This episode breaks format a bit &amp; features a 21 minute conversation between my girlfriend &amp; life partner Cori Birce and I. We reflect back on the last 49 stories, a growing audience, our life together, and looking to the future. You may recognize Cori’s wonderful voice at the beginning of every 7 Minute Story. She has been with me since the start of this journey and I think you’ll agree that she’s the perfect guest for our first retrospective.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode breaks format a bit &amp; features a 21 minute conversation between my girlfriend &amp; life partner Cori Birce and I. We reflect back on the last 49 stories, a growing audience, our life together, and looking to the future. You may recognize Cori’s wonderful voice at the beginning of every 7 Minute Story. She has been with me since the start of this journey and I think you’ll agree that she’s the perfect guest for our first retrospective.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>1415</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[ac3c6d41469b4adfb9591b7323cc9c66]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 49 - Jump on the roof </title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_49_Final_1.1.mp3</link>
      <description>This story is about an intriguing man named Ernie. I met him in the summer of 2000 while working a summer job. Our chance meeting gave me insight into his tragic past, helped me overcome a secret fear and would ultimately impact both our lives forever.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Jump on the roof</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>49</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9b1e6254-a9ae-11ea-9318-c70270b24039/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This story is about an intriguing man named Ernie. I met him in the summer of 2000 while working a summer job. Our chance meeting gave me insight into his tragic past, helped me overcome a secret fear and would ultimately impact both our lives...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This story is about an intriguing man named Ernie. I met him in the summer of 2000 while working a summer job. Our chance meeting gave me insight into his tragic past, helped me overcome a secret fear and would ultimately impact both our lives forever.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This story is about an intriguing man named Ernie. I met him in the summer of 2000 while working a summer job. Our chance meeting gave me insight into his tragic past, helped me overcome a secret fear and would ultimately impact both our lives forever.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>488</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 48 - Me, Paul Harvey and the Farmer </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/48</link>
      <description>After a turbulent few weeks in America, I took a long drive to search for answers. What I discovered rejuvenated my faith in mankind.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Me, Paul Harvey and the Farmer </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>48</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9b3d7446-a9ae-11ea-9318-5f7f40aa8a8a/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>After a turbulent few weeks in America, I took a long drive to search for answers. What I discovered rejuvenated my faith in mankind.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After a turbulent few weeks in America, I took a long drive to search for answers. What I discovered rejuvenated my faith in mankind.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After a turbulent few weeks in America, I took a long drive to search for answers. What I discovered rejuvenated my faith in mankind.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>494</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[83d6dee036224a4eb71b49c807c882f9]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 47 - That's not my friend anymore</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/47</link>
      <description>Standing over a friend’s casket triggers an internal struggle about consciousness and the soul. Enjoy 7 minute Stories? Keep the story going. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>That's not my friend anymore</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>47</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9b550fe8-a9ae-11ea-9318-b3407a054b7e/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Standing over a friend’s casket triggers an internal struggle about consciousness and the soul.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Standing over a friend’s casket triggers an internal struggle about consciousness and the soul. Enjoy 7 minute Stories? Keep the story going. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Standing over a friend’s casket triggers an internal struggle about consciousness and the soul. Enjoy 7 minute Stories? Keep the story going. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>418</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 46 - Remember his face </title>
      <link>https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/sevenms/7Min_47_face_final_1.1.mp3</link>
      <description>After crossing paths with a homeless man, a chance conversation leaves us both changed forever. Full transcript of 7ms Episode 46: www.7minutestoriespod.com/episode-transcripts/46</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Remember his face </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>46</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9b7ee50c-a9ae-11ea-9318-4331ffe8f87d/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>After crossing paths with a homeless man, a chance conversation leaves us both changed forever.   Full transcript of Episode 46: www.7minutestoriespod.com/episode-transcripts/46</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After crossing paths with a homeless man, a chance conversation leaves us both changed forever. Full transcript of 7ms Episode 46: www.7minutestoriespod.com/episode-transcripts/46</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After crossing paths with a homeless man, a chance conversation leaves us both changed forever. Full transcript of 7ms Episode 46: www.7minutestoriespod.com/episode-transcripts/46</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>447</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[b871201757ab4da0b8fc8d110049aa74]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 45 - Special Guest: okPANTS</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/45</link>
      <description>During this 7 minute segment, the artist &amp; creative okPANTS, talks about what motivates him to make a life out of making art. Find out more about okPANTS and his work here: http://www.okpants.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Guest: okPANTS</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>45</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9b956660-a9ae-11ea-9318-ff622354c5bd/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>During this 7 minute segment, the artist &amp; creative okPANTS, talks about what motivates him to make a life out of making art. Find out more about okPANTS and his work here:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>During this 7 minute segment, the artist &amp; creative okPANTS, talks about what motivates him to make a life out of making art. Find out more about okPANTS and his work here: http://www.okpants.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>During this 7 minute segment, the artist &amp; creative okPANTS, talks about what motivates him to make a life out of making art. Find out more about okPANTS and his work here: http://www.okpants.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>678</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[53e31144d5404dda8efad3c7c2c56e64]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 44 - Where do the memories go? </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/44</link>
      <description>Where do our memories go after we die? To navigate this question, I explore two very personal memories and then speculate where they may exist outside my own brain. </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Where do the memories go? </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>44</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9bab92aa-a9ae-11ea-9318-8f0ef8380ece/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Where do our memories go after we die? To navigate this question, I explore two very personal memories and then speculate where they may exist outside my own brain. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Where do our memories go after we die? To navigate this question, I explore two very personal memories and then speculate where they may exist outside my own brain. </itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Where do our memories go after we die? To navigate this question, I explore two very personal memories and then speculate where they may exist outside my own brain. </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>501</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[28cfc85b8a14432b907b10514456e4c1]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 43 - Stories in a Box </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/43</link>
      <description>A drawer full of written stories reveal something about my grandfather I never knew… Enjoy 7 Minute Stories? You can support it here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Stories in a Box </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>43</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9bc0b518-a9ae-11ea-9318-bbdd0d3d66ec/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A drawer full of written stories reveal something about my grandfather I never knew… Enjoy 7 Minute Stories? You can support it here:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A drawer full of written stories reveal something about my grandfather I never knew… Enjoy 7 Minute Stories? You can support it here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A drawer full of written stories reveal something about my grandfather I never knew… Enjoy 7 Minute Stories? You can support it here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>487</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[1ad2a2d62a3141b1a1b962ac98c9ab51]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 42 - Guest Storyteller: Van Jones </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/42</link>
      <description>For this special 4th of July episode, i’m sharing a 7 minute segment from an interview I did with Van Jones in 2017. I thought it was compelling because the crux of our conversation still speaks to the current state of division we find ourselves in as Americans. But more importantly, Van speaks passionately to the importance of coming back together as we draw closer to the 2020 general election. Van Jones is a CNN political contributor, and the host of the Van Jones Show and The Redemption Project.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jul 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Guest Storyteller: Van Jones </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>42</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9bdba166-a9ae-11ea-9318-a7ac610b1777/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>For this special 4th of July episode, I’d like to share a 7 minute segment from an interview I did with Van Jones in 2017. I thought it was compelling because the crux of our conversation still speaks to the current state of division we find...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>For this special 4th of July episode, i’m sharing a 7 minute segment from an interview I did with Van Jones in 2017. I thought it was compelling because the crux of our conversation still speaks to the current state of division we find ourselves in as Americans. But more importantly, Van speaks passionately to the importance of coming back together as we draw closer to the 2020 general election. Van Jones is a CNN political contributor, and the host of the Van Jones Show and The Redemption Project.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>For this special 4th of July episode, i’m sharing a 7 minute segment from an interview I did with Van Jones in 2017. I thought it was compelling because the crux of our conversation still speaks to the current state of division we find ourselves in as Americans. But more importantly, Van speaks passionately to the importance of coming back together as we draw closer to the 2020 general election. Van Jones is a CNN political contributor, and the host of the Van Jones Show and The Redemption Project.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>702</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 41 - The Crayon Emergency </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/41</link>
      <description>The story of a how boy’s curiosity and love of crayons ended in a medical mystery that bewildered an entire emergency room. Help keep the story going by supporting 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Crayon Emergency </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>41</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how a boy’s curiosity and love of crayons ended in a medical mystery that bewildered an entire emergency room.   </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story of a how boy’s curiosity and love of crayons ended in a medical mystery that bewildered an entire emergency room. Help keep the story going by supporting 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>The story of a how boy’s curiosity and love of crayons ended in a medical mystery that bewildered an entire emergency room. Help keep the story going by supporting 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
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      <title>Episode 40 - Guest Storyteller: Nina Domingue</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/40</link>
      <description>In this 7 minute segment I talk with actor, director, playwright &amp; educator Nina Domingue. In it, Nina investigates how the beginning of her artistic journey triggered an experience of self-discovery. Follow Nina on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ninadomingue/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title> Guest Storyteller: Nina Domingue</itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>In this 7 minute segment I talk with actor, director, playwright &amp; educator Nina Domingue. In it, Nina investigates how the beginning of her artistic journey triggered an experience of self-discovery. Currently, Nina is the Nord Family Foundation...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In this 7 minute segment I talk with actor, director, playwright &amp; educator Nina Domingue. In it, Nina investigates how the beginning of her artistic journey triggered an experience of self-discovery. Follow Nina on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ninadomingue/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>In this 7 minute segment I talk with actor, director, playwright &amp; educator Nina Domingue. In it, Nina investigates how the beginning of her artistic journey triggered an experience of self-discovery. Follow Nina on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ninadomingue/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>597</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 39 - The Lockout </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/39</link>
      <description>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father… </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Lockout</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father…  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father… </itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>One moment it was a beautiful Fall day, the next, my two-year-old daughter was trapped inside our house. It was a day that would defy logic and define me as a father… </p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>509</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 38 - Special Delivery </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/38</link>
      <description>A wasp attack, the morning of 9/11 and an anthrax scare. This was just my first few weeks of college and my initiation into the real world... Help keep the story going. Support 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Special Delivery </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>A wasp attack, the morning of 9/11 and an anthrax scare. This was just my first few weeks of college and my initiation into the real world…</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A wasp attack, the morning of 9/11 and an anthrax scare. This was just my first few weeks of college and my initiation into the real world... Help keep the story going. Support 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A wasp attack, the morning of 9/11 and an anthrax scare. This was just my first few weeks of college and my initiation into the real world... Help keep the story going. Support 7ms at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>543</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 37 - TCBY: A Love Story </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/37</link>
      <description>The story of how a journey to find a rare frozen yogurt flavor gave me another chance at love. Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>TCBY: A Love Story </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ce1a876-a9ae-11ea-9318-07756c19999a/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how my journey to find a rare frozen yogurt flavor gave me another chance at love. </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story of how a journey to find a rare frozen yogurt flavor gave me another chance at love. Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how a journey to find a rare frozen yogurt flavor gave me another chance at love. Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>500</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 36 - Guest Storyteller: Shannon Cason </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/36</link>
      <description>This episode features the first official guest to the 7ms Podcast. During this 7 minute segment I talk with fellow storyteller Shannon Cason. We dive into Shannon’s creative process, what inspires some of his stories and something we hope the storytelling art form can adopt in future. Make sure to check out Shannon's own podcast: Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Guest Storyteller: Shannon Cason </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9cfcc034-a9ae-11ea-9318-4fcd7b0ac55b/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode features the first official guest to the 7 Minute Stories Podcast. During this 7 minute segment I talk with fellow storyteller . We dive into Shannon’s creative process, what inspires some of his stories and something we hope the...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This episode features the first official guest to the 7ms Podcast. During this 7 minute segment I talk with fellow storyteller Shannon Cason. We dive into Shannon’s creative process, what inspires some of his stories and something we hope the storytelling art form can adopt in future. Make sure to check out Shannon's own podcast: Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode features the first official guest to the 7ms Podcast. During this 7 minute segment I talk with fellow storyteller Shannon Cason. We dive into Shannon’s creative process, what inspires some of his stories and something we hope the storytelling art form can adopt in future. Make sure to check out Shannon's own podcast: Shannon Cason’s Homemade Stories.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>594</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 35 - Mumford's Son</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/35</link>
      <description>The tale of how a hazardous storytelling performance and a chance intersection with a popular musical group taught me how to connect with an audience. Help keep the story going and become a patron of 7 Minute Stories: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Mumford's Son</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9d136186-a9ae-11ea-9318-2f51987702e3/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The tale of how a hazardous storytelling performance and a chance intersection with a popular musical group taught me how to connect with an audience.  Help keep the story going and become a patron of 7 Minute Stories: </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The tale of how a hazardous storytelling performance and a chance intersection with a popular musical group taught me how to connect with an audience. Help keep the story going and become a patron of 7 Minute Stories: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The tale of how a hazardous storytelling performance and a chance intersection with a popular musical group taught me how to connect with an audience. Help keep the story going and become a patron of 7 Minute Stories: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>476</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 34 - The Pale Blue Dot </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/34</link>
      <description>After finding out the Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy are on a collision course, I nearly panicked. But then, after some serendipitous inspiration from the great Carl Sagan, I made a discovery I had to share with one of the most important people on earth... Become a supporter of 7 Minute Stories https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 09 May 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Pale Blue Dot </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9d2bf610-a9ae-11ea-9318-0bb870b5717a/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>After finding out the Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy are on a collision course, I nearly panicked. But then, after some serendipitous inspiration from the great Carl Sagan, I made a discovery I had to share with one of the most important...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After finding out the Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy are on a collision course, I nearly panicked. But then, after some serendipitous inspiration from the great Carl Sagan, I made a discovery I had to share with one of the most important people on earth... Become a supporter of 7 Minute Stories https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After finding out the Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy are on a collision course, I nearly panicked. But then, after some serendipitous inspiration from the great Carl Sagan, I made a discovery I had to share with one of the most important people on earth... Become a supporter of 7 Minute Stories https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>508</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 33 - The Yellow Bird </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/33</link>
      <description>The story of how a little yellow bird taught me life lessons about mortality, perseverance and grace. Please remember to subscribe and rate 7 Minute Stories Thanks to this episode's special musical guest: Frank Ivy https://www.frankivy.com/music Help us keep the story going! Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support Thanks to our podcast partners at Evergreen Podcasts https://evergreenpodcasts.com/7-minute-stories</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2019 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Yellow Bird </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9d427ed0-a9ae-11ea-9318-afa5e2c37653/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The story of how a little yellow bird taught me life lessons about mortality, perseverance and grace.   Please remember to subscribe and rate 7 Minute Stories  Thanks to this episode's special musical guest: Frank Ivy  Help us keep the story...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The story of how a little yellow bird taught me life lessons about mortality, perseverance and grace. Please remember to subscribe and rate 7 Minute Stories Thanks to this episode's special musical guest: Frank Ivy https://www.frankivy.com/music Help us keep the story going! Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support Thanks to our podcast partners at Evergreen Podcasts https://evergreenpodcasts.com/7-minute-stories</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The story of how a little yellow bird taught me life lessons about mortality, perseverance and grace. Please remember to subscribe and rate 7 Minute Stories Thanks to this episode's special musical guest: Frank Ivy https://www.frankivy.com/music Help us keep the story going! Support 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support Thanks to our podcast partners at Evergreen Podcasts https://evergreenpodcasts.com/7-minute-stories</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>544</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 32 - The Backseat </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/32</link>
      <description>A broken family. The backseat of a car. No control. Sometimes, during a difficult transition, an unlikely hero will emerge to help you see it through.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Backseat</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9d58f1ce-a9ae-11ea-9318-93aaf170533e/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A broken family. The backseat of a car. No control. Sometimes, during a difficult transition, an unlikely hero will emerge to help you see it through.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A broken family. The backseat of a car. No control. Sometimes, during a difficult transition, an unlikely hero will emerge to help you see it through.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A broken family. The backseat of a car. No control. Sometimes, during a difficult transition, an unlikely hero will emerge to help you see it through.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>501</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 31 - The Hunter</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/31</link>
      <description>Thousands of years ago, humans explored uncharted terrain as hunters and gatherers. Now, in the year 2019, I come face to face with an equally daunting task…</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2019 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Hunter </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>Thousands of years ago, humans explored uncharted terrain as hunters and gatherers. Now, in the year 2019, I come face to face with an equally daunting task…</itunes:subtitle>
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      <title>Episode 30 - Me and Gary V </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/30</link>
      <description>I looked down at my phone and saw that Gary Vaynerchuk's account liked one of my comments on Instagram. What happened next would send me into a spiral of excitement, regret and reflection.  Learn more about 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2019 12:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Me and Gary V </itunes:title>
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      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>I looked down at my phone and saw that Gary Vaynerchuk's account liked one of my comments on Instagram. What happened next would send me into a spiral of excitement, regret and reflection.  </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I looked down at my phone and saw that Gary Vaynerchuk's account liked one of my comments on Instagram. What happened next would send me into a spiral of excitement, regret and reflection.  Learn more about 7 Minute Stories at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
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      <itunes:duration>517</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 29 - The Guitar God </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/29</link>
      <description>A quest to become the greatest rock guitar player on the planet all culminates into one life-altering audition.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Guitar God </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9dc31a90-a9ae-11ea-9318-f78e1978a9ba/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A quest to become the greatest rock guitar player on the planet all culminates into one life-altering audition.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A quest to become the greatest rock guitar player on the planet all culminates into one life-altering audition.</itunes:summary>
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      <itunes:duration>508</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 28 - The Injury</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/28</link>
      <description>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip the to the emergency room... </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2019 11:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Injury</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip the to the emergency room... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip the to the emergency room... </itunes:summary>
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      <itunes:duration>517</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 27 - We are all Witnesses </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/27</link>
      <description>What started out as a heated religious debate between two kids on an elementary school playground, turned into an attack from an unusual suspect... More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Mar 2019 13:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>We are all Witnesses </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
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      <itunes:subtitle>What started out as a heated religious debate between two kids on an elementary school playground, turned into an attack from an unusual suspect... </itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>What started out as a heated religious debate between two kids on an elementary school playground, turned into an attack from an unusual suspect... More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>What started out as a heated religious debate between two kids on an elementary school playground, turned into an attack from an unusual suspect... More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>460</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 26 - Becoming Donatello </title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/26</link>
      <description>It was 1990, I was 7 years old and I was anticipating the release of greatest film ever made: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not only this, but I actually believed I was a turtle and had every intention to reveal my true identity to an elementary school crush... Be sure to RATE &amp; REVIEW this podcast! More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2019 16:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Becoming Donatello </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9e1394ac-a9ae-11ea-9318-db2d0876e8cd/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It was 1990, I was 7 years old and I was anticipating the release of greatest film ever made: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not only this, but I actually believed I was a turtle and had every intention to reveal my true identity to an elementary...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It was 1990, I was 7 years old and I was anticipating the release of greatest film ever made: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not only this, but I actually believed I was a turtle and had every intention to reveal my true identity to an elementary school crush... Be sure to RATE &amp; REVIEW this podcast! More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
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        <![CDATA[<p>It was 1990, I was 7 years old and I was anticipating the release of greatest film ever made: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not only this, but I actually believed I was a turtle and had every intention to reveal my true identity to an elementary school crush... Be sure to RATE &amp; REVIEW this podcast! More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>501</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 25 - The Train Incident</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/25</link>
      <description>On a bright Fall day in 2009, what started out as usual train commute from Eatontown, New Jersey to Manhattan, transformed into a crime scene. I had always loved being on trains. On this day, I would have rather been anywhere else… More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Train Incident </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9e29c010-a9ae-11ea-9318-5718e3f37917/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>On a bright Fall day in 2009, what started out as usual train commute from Eatontown, New Jersey to Manhattan, transformed into a crime scene. I had always loved being on trains. On this day, I would have rather been anywhere else…</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>On a bright Fall day in 2009, what started out as usual train commute from Eatontown, New Jersey to Manhattan, transformed into a crime scene. I had always loved being on trains. On this day, I would have rather been anywhere else… More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>On a bright Fall day in 2009, what started out as usual train commute from Eatontown, New Jersey to Manhattan, transformed into a crime scene. I had always loved being on trains. On this day, I would have rather been anywhere else… More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>531</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 24- Chinatown</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/24</link>
      <description>When I got a call from Jack Nicholson’s executive assistant at 1:00am in the morning, It felt like a “surreal” experience... More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Chinatown</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9e40a244-a9ae-11ea-9318-73074b011b21/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When I got a call from Jack Nicholson’s executive assistant at 1:00am in the morning, It felt like a “surreal” experience...   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When I got a call from Jack Nicholson’s executive assistant at 1:00am in the morning, It felt like a “surreal” experience... More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When I got a call from Jack Nicholson’s executive assistant at 1:00am in the morning, It felt like a “surreal” experience... More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>501</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 23- The Tryout</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/23</link>
      <description>Years of commitment and preparation led me to this moment. What started as a tryout for my middle school basketball team, transformed into an experience that would shape my entire career. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 20:54:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Tryout</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9e7480d2-a9ae-11ea-9318-8bfa1f8235c4/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Years of commitment and preparation led me to this moment. What started as a tryout for my middle school basketball team, transformed into an experience that would shape my entire career.   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Years of commitment and preparation led me to this moment. What started as a tryout for my middle school basketball team, transformed into an experience that would shape my entire career. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Years of commitment and preparation led me to this moment. What started as a tryout for my middle school basketball team, transformed into an experience that would shape my entire career. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>429</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 22- The Lineup</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/22</link>
      <description>When I was 10 years old I spent a summertime at a makeshift daycare. One afternoon there, while playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out on NES, I committed an unintentional crime which was followed by a memorable interrogation. *Note: This episode is a throwback. In fact, it was the first “7 minute story” I ever recorded. My producer Ken helped re-purpose it for this format. Enjoy! If you are enjoying #7minutestories we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:33:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Lineup</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9e8c8204-a9ae-11ea-9318-13447ae8e988/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When I was 10 years old I spent a summertime at a makeshift daycare. One afternoon there, while playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out on NES, I committed an unintentional crime which was followed by a memorable interrogation. *Note: This episode is a...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When I was 10 years old I spent a summertime at a makeshift daycare. One afternoon there, while playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out on NES, I committed an unintentional crime which was followed by a memorable interrogation. *Note: This episode is a throwback. In fact, it was the first “7 minute story” I ever recorded. My producer Ken helped re-purpose it for this format. Enjoy! If you are enjoying #7minutestories we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When I was 10 years old I spent a summertime at a makeshift daycare. One afternoon there, while playing Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out on NES, I committed an unintentional crime which was followed by a memorable interrogation. *Note: This episode is a throwback. In fact, it was the first “7 minute story” I ever recorded. My producer Ken helped re-purpose it for this format. Enjoy! If you are enjoying #7minutestories we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>459</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 21 - The Fish</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/21</link>
      <description>At the age of 5 I watched a BBC documentary about the life of fish in the ocean. Days later, I witnessed what I can only describe as a ghost appear in my bedroom. Both experiences united to form an existential crisis that would shape my future… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2019 15:04:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Fish</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ead1474-a9ae-11ea-9318-e31958b713b0/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>At the age of 5 I watched a BBC documentary about the life of fish in the ocean. Days later, I witnessed what I can only describe as a ghost appear in my bedroom. Both experiences united to form an existential crisis that would shape my future… If...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>At the age of 5 I watched a BBC documentary about the life of fish in the ocean. Days later, I witnessed what I can only describe as a ghost appear in my bedroom. Both experiences united to form an existential crisis that would shape my future… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>At the age of 5 I watched a BBC documentary about the life of fish in the ocean. Days later, I witnessed what I can only describe as a ghost appear in my bedroom. Both experiences united to form an existential crisis that would shape my future… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider we would value your support! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>427</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 20 - The Night-Night Rules</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/20</link>
      <description>I don’t know if it was divine intervention or just coincidence, but whatever it was, it gave me the strength to make a promise to my daughter that I don’t intend on breaking… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider supporting us with a donation: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2019 02:21:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Night-Night Rules</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ee11e0e-a9ae-11ea-9318-57efd3881e72/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I don’t know if it was divine intervention or just coincidence, but whatever it was, it gave me the strength to make a promise to my daughter that I don’t intend on breaking… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider supporting us with a...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I don’t know if it was divine intervention or just coincidence, but whatever it was, it gave me the strength to make a promise to my daughter that I don’t intend on breaking… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider supporting us with a donation: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I don’t know if it was divine intervention or just coincidence, but whatever it was, it gave me the strength to make a promise to my daughter that I don’t intend on breaking… If you are enjoying #7minutestories consider supporting us with a donation: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/support/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>420</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/567468054]]></guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 19 - The Gun</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/19</link>
      <description>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 life and death… Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Original art by Pete Whitehead https://www.petewhitehead.com/ Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt http://filmmyart.com/ More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2019 18:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Gun</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9ef63c1c-a9ae-11ea-9318-fb9bfc932235/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When I was 11 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 life and death… More at:  Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Original art by Pete Whitehead  Intro...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>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 life and death… Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Original art by Pete Whitehead https://www.petewhitehead.com/ Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt http://filmmyart.com/ More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>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 life and death… Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Original art by Pete Whitehead https://www.petewhitehead.com/ Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt http://filmmyart.com/ More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>489</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/564004200]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2809999103.mp3?updated=1676925328" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 18 - The Dream</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/18</link>
      <description>The night my grandfather slipped into a coma, he came to me in a profound dream… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:45:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Dream</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f146c78-a9ae-11ea-9318-6f0b5f8f54d9/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The night my grandfather slipped into a coma, he came to me in a profound dream…   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The night my grandfather slipped into a coma, he came to me in a profound dream… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The night my grandfather slipped into a coma, he came to me in a profound dream… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>487</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/560700357]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9970378219.mp3?updated=1626813263" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 17 - The Blizzard</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/17</link>
      <description>It was the early 90s and I was a pre-teen. I was in sitting in my grandparents car and the weather outside started to change in a way I had never seen. As we started our drive from Columbus to Cleveland I knew the odds were not in our favor… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2019 01:49:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Blizzard</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f493b56-a9ae-11ea-9318-fb1067ebc809/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It was the early 90s and I was a pre-teen. I was in sitting in my grandparents car and the weather outside started to change in a way I had never seen. As we started our drive from Columbus to Cleveland I knew the odds were not in our favor…  ...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It was the early 90s and I was a pre-teen. I was in sitting in my grandparents car and the weather outside started to change in a way I had never seen. As we started our drive from Columbus to Cleveland I knew the odds were not in our favor… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was the early 90s and I was a pre-teen. I was in sitting in my grandparents car and the weather outside started to change in a way I had never seen. As we started our drive from Columbus to Cleveland I knew the odds were not in our favor… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>515</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/556163199]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN3849206420.mp3?updated=1626813229" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 16 - Lady of Maine</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/16</link>
      <description>How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2018 02:14:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Lady of Maine</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f6f16b4-a9ae-11ea-9318-ef6b6b244063/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life.   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>How much do I love storytelling? Well, it was 2012 and I was booked to perform one of my monologues at a theater in Portland, Maine. The only catch was I had to drive nearly 16 hours and endure one of the most unsettling nights of my life. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>521</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/547547112]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7384561733.mp3?updated=1626813213" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 15 - Over the River</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/15</link>
      <description>I looked at the world differently when I was a child. But when did things change? I remember it was the mid 90s and I went to visit my grandmother in rural Ohio. Her only rule was that I didn’t ride my bike past the gray house… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2018 14:09:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Over the River</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9f9d7c70-a9ae-11ea-9318-7b683ba70e6f/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I looked at the world differently when I was a child. But when did things change? I remember it was the mid 90s and I went to visit my grandmother in rural Ohio. Her only rule was that I didn’t ride my bike past the gray house…   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I looked at the world differently when I was a child. But when did things change? I remember it was the mid 90s and I went to visit my grandmother in rural Ohio. Her only rule was that I didn’t ride my bike past the gray house… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I looked at the world differently when I was a child. But when did things change? I remember it was the mid 90s and I went to visit my grandmother in rural Ohio. Her only rule was that I didn’t ride my bike past the gray house… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>475</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/544363299]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9334168372.mp3?updated=1626813197" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 14 - The Ice Cream Sandwich</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/14</link>
      <description>The second grade. An elementary lunch room. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. History would be made as I courted an older woman for the first time… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 07 Dec 2018 01:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Ice Cream Sandwich</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9fb835ec-a9ae-11ea-9318-5f6f03bb6be7/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The second grade. An elementary lunch room. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. History would be made as I courted an older woman for the first time…   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The second grade. An elementary lunch room. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. History would be made as I courted an older woman for the first time… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The second grade. An elementary lunch room. A purple silk shirt. A blossoming new love. History would be made as I courted an older woman for the first time… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>464</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/540945234]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN9799435454.mp3?updated=1626813177" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 13 - The Cherry Tree</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/13</link>
      <description>The myth of George Washington and the cherry tree made an big impression on my life. But as a young boy, when a police officer caught me vandalizing a house in my neighborhood, the impact of that myth would be put to the test. More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:35:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Cherry Tree</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9fd19028-a9ae-11ea-9318-cf86b696243e/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>The myth of George Washington and the cherry tree made an big impression on my life. But as a young boy, when a police officer caught me vandalizing a house in my neighborhood, the impact of that myth would be put to the test.   More at</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>The myth of George Washington and the cherry tree made an big impression on my life. But as a young boy, when a police officer caught me vandalizing a house in my neighborhood, the impact of that myth would be put to the test. More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>The myth of George Washington and the cherry tree made an big impression on my life. But as a young boy, when a police officer caught me vandalizing a house in my neighborhood, the impact of that myth would be put to the test. More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>490</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536994600]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7189400357.mp3?updated=1626813160" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Episode 12 - The Amish</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/12</link>
      <description>I sat at a traffic light and looked at the world falling apart around me. So, I turned my car around and drove until all I saw was corn fields and the Amish. I had found a new possibility. Maybe even a new home. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:39:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Amish</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/9fea0220-a9ae-11ea-9318-238a3754656f/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I sat at a traffic light and looked at the world falling apart around me. So, I turned my car around and drove until all I saw was corn fields and the Amish. I had found a new possibility. Maybe even a new home.   More at:</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I sat at a traffic light and looked at the world falling apart around me. So, I turned my car around and drove until all I saw was corn fields and the Amish. I had found a new possibility. Maybe even a new home. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I sat at a traffic light and looked at the world falling apart around me. So, I turned my car around and drove until all I saw was corn fields and the Amish. I had found a new possibility. Maybe even a new home. More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>487</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/533669475]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN2539565643.mp3?updated=1626813142" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 11 - The Phone Call</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/11</link>
      <description>I was 30 years old when my daughter was born. Shortly after, I received a phone call from my dad that forecast what the next 30 years may be like. Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2018 03:49:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Phone Call</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a01f1ec4-a9ae-11ea-9318-972bcc556261/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I was 30 years old when my daughter was born. Shortly after, I received a phone call from my dad that forecast what the next 30 years may be like. Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I was 30 years old when my daughter was born. Shortly after, I received a phone call from my dad that forecast what the next 30 years may be like. Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I was 30 years old when my daughter was born. Shortly after, I received a phone call from my dad that forecast what the next 30 years may be like. Story created &amp; performed by Aaron Calafato Intro &amp; Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>476</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/529612308]]></guid>
      <enclosure url="https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN1263260382.mp3?updated=1626813114" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Episode 10 - The Fight</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/10</link>
      <description>When I was younger I fought a lot. This time, however, felt different than the rest. I was in over my head and would experience the true power, utility and lasting effect of violence.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2018 00:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Fight</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a044bd8c-a9ae-11ea-9318-d71023099319/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>When I was younger I fought a lot. This time, however, felt different than the rest. I was in over my head and would experience the true power, utility and lasting effect of violence.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>When I was younger I fought a lot. This time, however, felt different than the rest. I was in over my head and would experience the true power, utility and lasting effect of violence.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>When I was younger I fought a lot. This time, however, felt different than the rest. I was in over my head and would experience the true power, utility and lasting effect of violence.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>444</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/504730617]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 9 - The Perfect Day</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/9</link>
      <description>I woke up and something was different. From the moment I opened my eyes it seemed like it would be one of those days where nothing could go wrong. Was I right? Or, was this all a dream?</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2018 23:28:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Perfect Day</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a06491d4-a9ae-11ea-9318-031a1d162858/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>I woke up and something was different. From the moment I opened my eyes it seemed like it would be one of those days where nothing could go wrong. Was I right? Or, was this all a dream?</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>I woke up and something was different. From the moment I opened my eyes it seemed like it would be one of those days where nothing could go wrong. Was I right? Or, was this all a dream?</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>I woke up and something was different. From the moment I opened my eyes it seemed like it would be one of those days where nothing could go wrong. Was I right? Or, was this all a dream?</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>448</itunes:duration>
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      <title>Episode 8 - The Nest</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/8</link>
      <description>It was the largest yellow jacket nest I've ever come across. It was man versus nature and I had to protect my home...</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:57:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Nest</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a08df268-a9ae-11ea-9318-074d6da07255/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>It was the largest yellow jacket nest I've ever come across. It was man versus nature and I had to protect my home...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>It was the largest yellow jacket nest I've ever come across. It was man versus nature and I had to protect my home...</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>It was the largest yellow jacket nest I've ever come across. It was man versus nature and I had to protect my home...</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>433</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/491577282]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 7 - Growing Up in the Rearview</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/7</link>
      <description>This episode explores the journey of driving my daughter home from the hospital after she was born and then through years of car rides looking into the rear-view mirror and seeing all the stages of her life.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2018 00:36:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Growing Up in the Rearview</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a0aa269a-a9ae-11ea-9318-5fb83663c9ea/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>This episode explores the journey of driving my daughter home from the hospital after she was born and then through years of car rides looking into the rear-view mirror and seeing all the stages of her life.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>This episode explores the journey of driving my daughter home from the hospital after she was born and then through years of car rides looking into the rear-view mirror and seeing all the stages of her life.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>This episode explores the journey of driving my daughter home from the hospital after she was born and then through years of car rides looking into the rear-view mirror and seeing all the stages of her life.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:duration>449</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Episode 6 - Emails to My Dead Grandfather</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/6</link>
      <description>My grandfather and I were very close. One day, several years after he passed away, I saw that his gmail account profile was active. So, I decided to email him...</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2018 16:00:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>Emails to My Dead Grandfather</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a0c381f8-a9ae-11ea-9318-cbabf1efc62c/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>=</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>My grandfather and I were very close. One day, several years after he passed away, I saw that his gmail account profile was active. So, I decided to email him...</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>My grandfather and I were very close. One day, several years after he passed away, I saw that his gmail account profile was active. So, I decided to email him...</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>423</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/472022058]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 5 - The Thirty-Five Year Train Ride</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/5</link>
      <description>For the last thirty five years I've heard the sound of a train out my window. It's seems that I've been following it my entire life. Next month, I'm moving to the city where all began. Only this time, something is different...</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Jun 2018 17:22:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Thirty-Five Year Train Ride</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a0dc0908-a9ae-11ea-9318-43412d2f1659/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>For the last thirty five years I've heard the sound of a train out my window. It's seems that I've been following it my entire life. Next month, I'm moving to the city where all began. Only this time, something is different...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>For the last thirty five years I've heard the sound of a train out my window. It's seems that I've been following it my entire life. Next month, I'm moving to the city where all began. Only this time, something is different...</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>For the last thirty five years I've heard the sound of a train out my window. It's seems that I've been following it my entire life. Next month, I'm moving to the city where all began. Only this time, something is different...</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>446</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/465583941]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 4 - The Summer of Peter Jennings</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/4</link>
      <description>A remixed version of a story Aaron did during the 2016 Presidential Election that is more relevant that ever. This episode cleverly explores the transformation of the news into pure entertainment, a nostalgia for Peter Jennings and a call to action for all people watching the "news".</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2018 03:32:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Summer of Peter Jennings</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a0f35fa4-a9ae-11ea-9318-13ab0ce583ad/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>A remixed version of a story Aaron did during the 2016 Presidential Election that is more relevant that ever. This episode cleverly explores the transformation of the news into pure entertainment, a nostalgia for Peter Jennings and a call to action...</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>A remixed version of a story Aaron did during the 2016 Presidential Election that is more relevant that ever. This episode cleverly explores the transformation of the news into pure entertainment, a nostalgia for Peter Jennings and a call to action for all people watching the "news".</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>A remixed version of a story Aaron did during the 2016 Presidential Election that is more relevant that ever. This episode cleverly explores the transformation of the news into pure entertainment, a nostalgia for Peter Jennings and a call to action for all people watching the "news".</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>422</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/461734065]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 3 - The Audition</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/3</link>
      <description>After getting off a train at Penn Station and taking in New York City for the first time, I began the odyssey of my first acting audition at the Actors Equity Center.</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2018 04:23:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Audition</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a111f16c-a9ae-11ea-9318-07964c4ee466/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>After getting off a train at Penn Station and taking in New York City for the first time, I began the odyssey of my first acting audition at the Actors Equity Center.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>After getting off a train at Penn Station and taking in New York City for the first time, I began the odyssey of my first acting audition at the Actors Equity Center.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>After getting off a train at Penn Station and taking in New York City for the first time, I began the odyssey of my first acting audition at the Actors Equity Center.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>435</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/458619189]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 2 - The Car Accident and the Crucifix</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/2</link>
      <description>In episode two I explore a recent car accident I was involved in. The impact took me on a journey that started with a mild concussion and ended in the inside of an EMS vehicle next to the very person who hit me.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Jun 2018 22:12:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Car Accident and the Crucifix</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a12fdc40-a9ae-11ea-9318-afbe944babe6/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>In episode two I explore a recent car accident I was involved in. The impact took me on a journey that started with a mild concussion and ended in the inside of an EMS vehicle next to the very person who hit me.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>In episode two I explore a recent car accident I was involved in. The impact took me on a journey that started with a mild concussion and ended in the inside of an EMS vehicle next to the very person who hit me.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In episode two I explore a recent car accident I was involved in. The impact took me on a journey that started with a mild concussion and ended in the inside of an EMS vehicle next to the very person who hit me.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>441</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/455311473]]></guid>
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      <title>Episode 1 - The Cruise</title>
      <link>https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/all-episodes/1</link>
      <description>Welcome to episode one of #7minutestories! A young man who is afraid of boats takes his first carnival cruise shortly after Hurricane Katrina rips through the Gulf coast.</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 May 2018 01:04:00 -0000</pubDate>
      <itunes:title>The Cruise</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <itunes:author>Aaron Calafato </itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a14847e4-a9ae-11ea-9318-2bb79ce2cf54/image/7minuteStories-CoverArt-NOLOGO.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&amp;max-w=3000&amp;max-h=3000&amp;fit=crop&amp;auto=format,compress"/>
      <itunes:subtitle>Welcome to episode one of #7minutestories! A young man who is afraid of boats takes his first carnival cruise shortly after Hurricane Katrina rips through the Gulf coast.</itunes:subtitle>
      <itunes:summary>Welcome to episode one of #7minutestories! A young man who is afraid of boats takes his first carnival cruise shortly after Hurricane Katrina rips through the Gulf coast.</itunes:summary>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to episode one of #7minutestories! A young man who is afraid of boats takes his first carnival cruise shortly after Hurricane Katrina rips through the Gulf coast.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <itunes:duration>458</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit>
      <guid isPermaLink="false"><![CDATA[tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/451013973]]></guid>
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