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/

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/

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

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/

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.

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/

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/ 

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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.

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/

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.

A tasty Italian-American tradition triggers an identity crisis.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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