7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato: Recent Episodes

Evergreen Podcasts

Aaron Calafato uses 7 minute story vignettes to share his memories, explore his psyche and attempt to make sense of the world.

View Details

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

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

Aaron's pilgrimage for a turkey sandwich takes an unexpected turn…

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

In this episode, Aaron pays tribute to his late cousin with the retelling of this popular speech. Story created & performed by: Aaron CalafatoSenior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce Art: Pete Whitehead Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

Aaron races to Sunday Mass to meet his grandmother, and as usual, gets more than he bargained for.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

In this 7 Minutes, Aaron tells the tale of how he became the Milli Vanilli of his youth orchestra.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

In this 7 Minute Story, Aaron tells the story about how his future wife Cori captured his heart...

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

Cori and Aaron talk about Halloween and a haunted house that's gone too far.

Story Created & Performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional Vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music & Sound Design: thomas j. duke

View Details

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 & Performed by: Aaron Calafato Original Music & Sound Design: thomas j. duke  Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional Vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead

View Details

Aaron tells a story that gets millions on YouTube & is proven wrong about something in the process. 

Follow Aaron on YouTube Shorts https://bit.ly/3fRBCBd

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

The sound of wind chimes sends Aaron on a surreal journey through a profound dream and a mind-bending bike ride.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Sarah Drago Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

Find out how Aaron unwillingly became a pawn in an office takeover.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional Vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead Music: thomas j. duke

View Details

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.

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

View Details

An unexpected visitor came to my house on a Sunday afternoon and you won't believe what he said.

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

View Details

This week, my fiance Cori Birce gives her take on the classic movie Say Anything.

Episode Direction by: Aaron Calafato & Rob Montague  Special Guest: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Music: thomas j. duke Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

More on Cori Birce and her voiceover work https://www.coribirce.com/

View Details

A continuation of last week's story. This week, filmmaker Rob Montague talks about the toxic elements of 80s and 90s pop culture.

Here's a clip supplemental clip from the movie "Sixteen Candles" to give more context to Rob's take in this episode. https://youtu.be/Oxo7F75kd6w

Episode Direction by: Aaron Calafato & Rob Montague  Special Guest: Rob Montague  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

View Details

I've always considered myself a romantic but how much of this quality is truly my own? And/or how much of it is just a product of watching 80s & 90s rom coms and high school dramas? In today's episode, I'll tell you a story about one of these "romantic gestures" and I’ll let you be the judge.

Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Story co-creator & additional vocals: Rob Montague  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Original Music: thomas j. duke Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

If you like stories, you most likely enjoy reading. If that's the case, I want to recommend a podcast called Professional Book Nerds. Check them out wherever you get your pods: https://professionalbooknerds.com/

View Details

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

View Details

The terrifying but meaningful journey of a blue plastic grocery bag.

Story created & 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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

Ten years after my grandfather passed away, I decided to send him an email on the other side...

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Additional Vocals: Cori Birce

View Details

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 & more at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

View Details

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

View Details

Last year Cori & Aaron booked a stay at a bed & breakfast, but they didn't count on it being haunted. In this special episode, we present both Part 1 & 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

View Details

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

View Details

Some wars never seem to end. This one has been going on for nearly 30 years...

View Details

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Original Music Composition & Performance: thomas j. duke Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran

View Details

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

View Details

I didn't know Doril Tetrick well, but I do know he was my grandfather and we built something together...

Story created & 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

View Details

Merry Christmas! Enjoy this classic rendition by Frank Ivy. Podcast Tile by Wunderul Design

View Details

A 7MS Christmas Tradition. A story by an unnamed author titled The Man and the Birds.

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format. Season 2 starts in September 2021!

View Details

Sports journalist & 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

View Details

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

View Details

Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS & 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

View Details

A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter & 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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.    Story concept & 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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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!

View Details

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

View Details

The finale of the Bed & Breakfast saga. How our stay at a potentially haunted B & B changed my relationship with ghosts. Story: Aaron Calafato  Direction: Aaron Calafato & Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Music: Nature Camp  Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran

View Details

Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed & Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong.

Story: Aaron Calafato  Direction: Aaron Calafato & Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Music: Nature Camp  Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

If you haven't, please subscribe & 5 star rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this!. Your listenership and support of our work matters.

View Details

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 & rate 7MS! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

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.

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test.

For info and resources on COVID19 please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life.

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth.

Support this podcast by purchasing some of our merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford & Sons... Get your 7MS Hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

Someone has to say farewell, and then, all we’ll have left is each other....

Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

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

View Details

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 & Airwaves *This story is dedicated to Tom DeLonge

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

What do a mysterious deer, a legendary wiffle ball tournament and a Joni Mitchell song have in common? As it turns out, everything. *This story was remixed in collaboration with musicians TJ Duke & Ben Gmetro

Listen to more of their sound at https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/

Get your 7MS T-Shirt Today: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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 & performed by TJ Duke & Ben Gmetro  More about Nina Turner - https://www.ninaturner.org/ More music from Tj & Ben - https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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.

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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.

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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.

View Details

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/

View Details

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.

View Details

A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.

View Details

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...

View Details

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.

View Details

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.

View Details

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 & Noble with my girlfriend became a launching pad for our love story.

View Details

This episode breaks format a bit & features a 21 minute conversation between my girlfriend & 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.

View Details

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.

View Details

After a turbulent few weeks in America, I took a long drive to search for answers. What I discovered rejuvenated my faith in mankind.

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

During this 7 minute segment, the artist & 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

View Details

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.

View Details

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

View Details

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.

View Details

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

View Details

In this 7 minute segment I talk with actor, director, playwright & 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/

View Details

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…

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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.

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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.

View Details

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…

View Details

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

View Details

A quest to become the greatest rock guitar player on the planet all culminates into one life-altering audition.

View Details

What started out as an exceptional day on the basketball court ended in a hilarious trip the to the emergency room...

View Details

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/

View Details

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 & REVIEW this podcast! More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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/

View Details

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 & performed by Aaron Calafato Original art by Pete Whitehead https://www.petewhitehead.com/ Intro & Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt http://filmmyart.com/ More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com

View Details

The night my grandfather slipped into a coma, he came to me in a profound dream… More at: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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

View Details

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/

View Details

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

View Details

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 & performed by Aaron Calafato Intro & Outro: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt

View Details

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.

View Details

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?

View Details

It was the largest yellow jacket nest I've ever come across. It was man versus nature and I had to protect my home...

View Details

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.

View Details

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...

View Details

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...

View Details

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".

View Details

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.

View Details

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.

View Details

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.