Episode Details
February 25, 2026
26 minutes
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Episode Transcript And Overview
Not the polished, perfect kind. The real kind. The kind that makes people lean in, feel seen, and take action.
In this episode of the Never in Reverse Podcast, Jeremy Axel sits down with Bill Blankschaen, Founder and Chief StoryArchitect of StoryBuilders, for a conversation that will completely change how you see your own story.
They get into:
→ Why your "ordinary" experiences are actually your greatest asset
→ Bill's 5-step storytelling framework: Attention. Tension. Connection. Solution. Action.
→ The self-doubt that keeps most people silent and how to push through it
→ Why vulnerability isn't weakness, it's the whole point
→ How the right story can build trust, drive business, and move people to act
Timeline Notes
Introduction & Guest Welcome Jeremy Axel introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Bill Blankschaen, who shares initial thoughts on storytelling.
Bill Blankschaen’s Background & Journey Bill Bankschaen shares his transition from running a private school to becoming a storyteller and founding Story Builders.
The Power of Story in Shaping Identity Discussion on how stories shape identity, the importance of intentional storytelling, and living authentically.
Vulnerability & Authenticity in Storytelling Exploring the role of vulnerability, sharing tension points, and serving others through your story.
Outgrowing Old Stories & Finding Your Message How to move beyond old narratives, discover your meaningful message, and use it as motivation.
Five-Element Storytelling Framework Bill Blankschaen outlines his five-part storytelling structure: Attention, Tension, Connection, Solution, and Action.
Overcoming Story Traps: Confidence & Normalcy Addressing common barriers like the confidence trap and normalcy trap that prevent people from sharing their stories.
The Power of Sharing & Relating Through Pain How sharing struggles creates connection, breaks silence, and empowers others.
Designing a Life Story Worth Living Discussion on living intentionally, acting on beliefs, and creating a story that brings freedom and empowerment.
Practical Steps for Crafting Your Story Bill Blankschaen gives actionable advice: clarify your message, set goals, make a plan, and collaborate with others.
Closing & Contact Information Jeremy Axel wraps up the episode, shares where to find Bill Blankschaen online, and encourages listeners to share their stories.
Notable Guests
Bill Fairman
Fund Manager, Private Lender
Bill Fairman
Fund Manager, Private Lender
A best-selling author, national speaker, and serial entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience in mortgage banking.
Over the years, Bill has worked closely with hundreds of high-net-worth individuals, helping them strategically grow wealth as a Fund Manager for more than 13 years.
He’s also a trusted voice in the industry, serving on the Government Relations Committee of the American Association of Private Lenders.
Nick Kiridzic
Founder and CEO
Nick Kiridzic
Founder and CEO
I'm the founder of StaffHero, where we help growing businesses scale without the chaos connecting them with skilled remote assistants and automation systems that save time and cut costs.Before this, I spent over ten years in healthcare and business development, constantly spotting the same problem: amazing teams burning out under the weight of busywork. That’s what pushed me to build StaffHero.
Now, I focus on helping business owners get their time back and build systems that let them grow with freedom and focus.
Paul Glover
The No B.S. Executive Coach
Paul Glover
The No B.S. Executive Coach
Paul Glover is No B.S. Executive Coach, whose mission is to Challenge the Best to Become Better.
He is also:
• An Ex- White-Collar Felon.
• A “Recovering” Federal Trial Lawyer.
• A Subject Mater Expert on failing and recovery.
• Who is a TEDx speaker, Vintage Speaker, Forbes contributor, and an author whose book, WorkQuake™, is endorsed by Marshall Goldsmith, a Top 10 Business Thinker.
• An Executive Coach With 30 years of experience who advises and coaches executives in organizations with up to $1 billion in annual revenue.
• A Starbucks addict, and
• A Chicago Bears fanatic.
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit is the Founder of Business Success Consulting Group and the host of the Systems Simplified podcast. With nearly three decades of experience as an industrial engineer and process consultant, she has helped hundreds of growth-focused companies systematize their operations to scale successfully.
Known as “The Process Guru,” Adi specializes in designing and implementing turnkey systems that reduce dependence on the owner, empower teams, and increase profitability. Her clients range from fast-growing trades businesses to multi-location professional service firms, and she is a trusted advisor to CEOs across the U.S.
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.
Joe pioneered virtual divorce mediation in 2011, nearly a decade before others adopted online practices during the pandemic. His results speak for themselves: Equitable Mediation Services maintains a 98% case resolution rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70%.
