7 Minute Stories with Aaron Calafato i5n5t

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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: 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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 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 & UNSCRIPTED — every Monday at 8:30 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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.

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.

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.

Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she ed 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. the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Follow Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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 & 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. 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of ing 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. 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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. 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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 & 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. 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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. 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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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

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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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. the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to 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&A. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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. the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Want to 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&A.👇 https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast: Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Music via paid license at Artlist.io

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. the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to 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&A. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

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.