Award-winning storyteller Aaron Calafato uses 7-minute story vignettes to share his memories, explore his psyche and attempt to make sense of the world.
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If you’ve ever wondered “What should I do if I get laid off?” or “Is it still taboo to talk about politics at work?”—this is a show for you. Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. The stories that inspire our discussions are sourced firsthand from the anonymous conversations happening on the Glassdoor app. It’s hosted by Matt Sunbulli (serial tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Fishbowl), Aaron Calafato ( ...
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Aaron is a Storytelling Activist and Creative Change Agent.
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This is the moment where a meaningful connection is made. In today's world of digital overload and human disconnect, we need these simple yet rare moments more than ever. It’s Aaron’s podcast mission to create these connections with diverse guests through a wide-range of entertaining conversation.
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Life's a marathon, so join the Movie Marathoner and weekly guests as they discuss, rank, and review their way through the media landscape, one movie at a time. Releases weekly on Wednesdays!
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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…
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At-will employment makes posting about your political beliefs a risky game. This week, ‘Brandon’s’ controversial social media posts led to an HR meeting and ended up getting him fired. Is it legal? Are your posts covered under the First Amendment? Labor and employment lawyer Chris Collins joins us to talk about free speech and employee protections.…
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Politics has infiltrated the workplace, from performative CEOs to anonymous town hall comment sections. This week, 'Tabitha' is divorcing her work husband after a controversial political post on LinkedIn. Tune in for a talk about politics. Does it belong in the workplace? Should it impact your career choices? And more. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://…
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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 waitlis…
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Income Anxiety Affecting Millionaires and the White Collar Class
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Do you compare your income to others? At what point does seeing where you stand turn into an anxiety-filled obsession? This week, ‘John’ is feeling major income anxiety and wondering if all his hard work was worth it. Join us for a chat about salary transparency, what it is, why it’s important, and how it can quickly turn ugly. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli…
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S4 E38: The Legend of Mr. Sheep (Season 4 Finale)
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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 creatin…
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Should Job Candidates Be Paid for Interview Projects?
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From endless rounds to take-home projects, interview horror stories are everywhere. This week ‘Jordan’s’ hard work on an interview project didn’t net her the job, but it did show up on the company’s website months later. Should you say no to take-home interview projects? Should you get paid if you say yes? Join us for advice on how to protect yours…
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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 & Performed by: Aaron Ca…
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Getting fired can leave you shell-shocked, speechless, and in no place to negotiate. Like' Dylan,' he just got fired over Zoom, and now his severance package consists of a career services subscription to help him "improve his resume." 'Dylan's' IRL layoff story got us thinking: are you ready for what's next? This week, we're talking about how to ge…
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Why Job Loyalty Might Be Overrated with Shark Tank's Matt Higgins
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Is job loyalty an asset or a liability? Is passion for your work overhyped? This week, inspired by the story of 'Alexandra'—a recent graduate who took a comedian's unconventional advice to heart—we explore the rocky path from graduation to the workforce. Joining us to unpack 'Alexandra's' experience is Matt Higgins, Shark Tank co-host and co-founde…
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Cleveland's Secret Identity: A Superman Story
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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 d…
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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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt…
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Don’t trust the headlines: whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional, the job market feels anything but robust. And like recently-laid-off “Roland,” you find yourself receiving thoughts and prayers in lieu of offers on LinkedIn. Glassdoor's expert on the current two-track labor market, Chief Economist Aaron Terrazas, joins the show t…
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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 …
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From the vault of The Lonely Office is one of our greatest hits—a horror story for the remote work era: going through endless rounds of interviews, wondering whether you’ve wasted your time. On this episode, we dive into a real 11-round-interview incident endured by one candidate named “Mike”. We’ll debate the risks and merits of a lengthy intervie…
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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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce Art: Pete Whitehead Origina…
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How to Master Your Work Perception and Win Over Your Boss
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We’ve all worked with great communicators. On the one hand, they razzle and dazzle during presentations, woo the C-suite, rally the troops. On the other, they can overinflate their own achievements, and take credit where no credit was due. This week, inspired by the story of “Maria,” a flaky strategist who’s earned a reputation as a great actress a…
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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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead Original Music: thomas j. duke •…
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Adult Entertainment Companies Paying White Collar Workers 💰
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As the unemployment rate for recent graduates climbs higher than the national average, qualified white-collar workers are turning to unlikely sources for their next job. This week, we discuss a sticky situation involving “Mark,” an Ivy League marketer, and his stint at a Canadian adult entertainment company. What are the moral implications of takin…
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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…
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This week, Aaron explores his childhood church aversion and a transformative friendship that taught him the power of understanding. Story created & 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…
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Have you ever been ghosted by an interviewer, only to be officially rejected a year later? That’s the story of Karen Young the recruiter. Hers is the inspiration for our episode this week, and in an unprecedented first, she’s also our special guest on the show. We discuss ghosting as an industry-wide plague, how to bring your humanity to these inte…
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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 & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce Art: Pete Wh…
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Why Boomers & Gen Y-Z Disagree on TikTok Ban
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“Harold” is a disillusioned quiet quitter who finds himself impassioned to act after the House passed a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok. Harold represents some of the younger 175 million Americans fighting to keep the app around, whether as a source of information, entertainment or livelihood. On the other side of the generational divide, there are t…
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She doesn't feel TIME! (Cori Interrogates Aaron)
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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 newslett…
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In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity. Story created & 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 exclusive…
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Film, with all of its cinematic magic, was supposed to be creativity’s last line of defense against artificial intelligence. But when OpenAI’s impressive text-to-video generator Sora is taking meetings with Hollywood’s heads of production, what hope does that leave the rest of us? This week, inspired by the real story of “Lee,” a young film editor …
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In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview... Story created & 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 o…
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When HR Firings Are Recorded and Go Viral
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Picture this. You’re the fly on the wall in a layoff call. The employee isn’t getting any of the answers they want. The HR representative isn’t allowed to deviate from their rote, clinical script. It’s all very, very awkward. That’s this week’s topic, inspired by the mortifying tale of “Jenna” the HR newbie, and the viral video from TikToker Britta…
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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 & 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/…
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The Great $53 Trillion Transfer to Gen X-Z
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Here’s a staggering stat: through 2045, the wealth to be inherited by Generations X-Z is estimated to be 53 trillion dollars, an unprecedented sum in modern times. In this episode we cover the story of “Rich,” a 30 year-old screenwriter who, after receiving a financial windfall left by an uncle, finds himself losing his sense of purpose and creativ…
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This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought. Story created & 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…
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Unlimited vacation is often lauded as a workplace perk, but who does it actually benefit? On this episode, we reflect on our previous experiences with this “generous” perk, and whether it served us. We also discuss why employers might be incentivized to adopt unlimited PTO policies—and why employees might be getting the short end of the stick.…
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Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk. Story created & 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 o…
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Oops! Caught my Company Paying my Junior more than Me
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You just found out that the new, fresh-out-of-college hire at work… makes the same salary you do. What would you do next? That’s the true story from “Lorrie” that inspired this conversation around salary transparency and fair pay. This week, we share some of our own experiences with speaking up (or not) for ourselves, ideas on what companies could …
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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 & 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 …
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This week, truth is stranger than fiction. We’re discussing real anonymous stories from professional double-timers: two jobs, two time zones, and even two identities. It has us wondering: Socially, how did we get here? And legally, what are some complexities one should watch out for, if inspired to do the same?…
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Cori Interrogates Aaron (February 7MS Recap)
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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…
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A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson Story created & 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 …
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This week, we’re inspired by the real revenge story of an electrician named Jerry. With massive government funding of new industries in clean energy and semiconductors, Jerry represents a new cohort of trade workers finding success in today’s job market, despite the social stigma surrounding blue-collar jobs. From the astronomical costs of higher e…
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S4 E23: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?
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In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love. Story created & 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 re…
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How Do I Recover from a Big Mistake at Work?
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So you messed up at work. How do you move forward? This week, we’re inspired by a real workplace snafu, shared with us by “Zach.” From accidental all-staffs to awkward client commentary, we share some of our own professional mistakes on this episode—and our seasoned tactics on how to move past them.By Glassdoor
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If you’ve ever wondered “What should I do if I get laid off?” or “Is it still taboo to talk about politics at work?”—this is a show for you. Welcome to The Lonely Office: a podcast about the increasingly blurry line between work and life, brought to you by Glassdoor. The stories that inspire our discussions are sourced firsthand from the anonymous …
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Will Aaron be a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinges on a very special goose. Story created & 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 remind…
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S4 E21: Hunger Games (School Lunch Edition)
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Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games. Story created & 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 …
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What Can Professional Athletes Teach Us about Negotiation?
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From baseball player Shohei Ohtani’s highly unusual (and highly lucrative) contract to Michael Jordan’s “Love of the game” clause, uncommon terms of agreement might be more common than you think. On this episode, we discuss the creativity of contract negotiations—and our tips for getting more out of your next professional engagement.…
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This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain... Story created & 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! …
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In this episode we follow the real-life anonymous work story of "Dylan". What do you do when your Boss is impeding your advancement at work? How do you get ahead if you’re constantly told to stay in your lane—and to only do what is asked of you? Do you fold, or do you adopt the age-old wisdom: “Don't ask for permission, ask for forgiveness later”? …
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Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth. Story created & 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 …
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Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences... Story created & 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! ht…
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