What if the worst night of your life became the spark behind your greatest impact?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Phil Mershon—jazz musician, event designer, and author of “Unforgettable”—to break down the art of building events people remember for a lifetime.
Phil reveals his personal story of stepping onstage and falling short—then using years of practice (and a near-disaster) to fuel a revolution in how we think about experiences. Discover the science, emotion, and strategy behind making your message resonate and your audience transform.
What You’ll Learn:
- How a humiliating jazz performance set Phil on a path to mastery—and what it taught him about growth.
- The 3M Framework: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous—a playbook for powerful experiences.
- The secret power of senses—why a whiff of coffee can make your event unforgettable.
- The top mistake event planners make (and how to avoid designing for yourself instead of your audience).
- Why storytelling isn’t fluff—it’s the glue that makes every lesson stick.
Timestamps: 00:03 – Jazz, Failure, and Fuel: Phil’s Pivotal Night in Chicago 05:15 – The 3M Framework Exposed: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous 09:30 – Engaging the Senses: Coffee, Smell, and Memory Triggers 12:20 – Crafting Emotional Journeys: Audience Relevance & Deep Impact 16:10 – Pitfalls to Avoid: Who Are You Really Designing For? 18:45 – Storytelling Hooks: From Morpheus to Avengers—Making Lessons Stick 22:40 – How to Connect: Phil’s Book, Links & Where to Go Next
Where to reach our Guest:
- Website: filmersean.com
- Book: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences (also available at major retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart)
- LinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedIn
- Instagram: @phil_mershon
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
