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Making History and Finance Fascinating With Megan Gorman

Introduction:

Megan Gorman is the managing partner of a high net worth tax and financial planning firm and the bestselling author of All the President’s Money: How the Men Who Govern America Govern Their Money, a book that explores the personal finances of U.S. presidents through engaging storytelling. Her book became a USA Today bestseller and has been praised for making presidential history and personal finance both accessible and entertaining, with Megan frequently appearing in media interviews and as a sought-after speaker at presidential libraries and events. With a passion for American history and a talent for turning complex financial topics into lively cocktail party conversation, Megan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of wealth, leadership, and narrative. Her approach to storytelling highlights the universal nature of financial challenges — even among presidents — and demonstrates how personal stories can captivate and resonate with any audience.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [3:18] Megan Gorman shares her secret to balancing background knowledge for all audiences  
  • [5:10] How tight narratives keep readers hooked  
  • [7:40] Why most writing don’t make the cut  
  • [9:53] The juicy elements that make stories truly “sticky”  
  • [10:46] How humanizing historic figures creates powerful reader connections  
  • [13:04] Organizing stories for maximum impact 
  • [15:11] Using “candy facts” to keep audiences engaged and wanting more  
  • [25:18] The art of weaving your own experiences into stories  
  • [32:40] Why testing stories in live formats can sharpen storytelling

In this episode…

Ever wondered how a seemingly dry or complex subject, like presidential history and finance, could become so captivating that readers can’t put it down? What transforms a mountain of research and technical detail into a story that truly sticks in the minds of audiences? And how do writers overcome the challenge of making highbrow material both accessible and irresistibly engaging?

Megan Gorman reveals how she cracked the code to engaging storytelling, despite initially struggling to make historical and financial topics appealing. Working closely with a writing coach, Megan learned to frame stories by humanizing historical figures, focusing on relatable struggles, and striking the right balance between essential facts and entertaining “candy.” She discusses her iterative process — writing, editing, cutting, and constantly refining—to create a book that’s both informative and fun. By blending highbrow analysis with juicy anecdotes, like Thomas Jefferson’s wine debts or Nixon’s failed orange juice startup, Megan manages to create narratives that resonate with a wide range of readers. The result is not just a collection of facts, but a fast-paced, sticky narrative that keeps readers coming back for more and makes even complicated financial lessons entertaining.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak interviews Megan Gorman about transforming presidential finance into compelling, memorable stories. Listeners will learn how Megan turned dense research into relatable tales by including personal anecdotes, mistakes, and moments of human vulnerability — even among America’s most revered leaders. Together, they discuss the importance of framing, editing ruthlessly, and practicing stories aloud to find what truly resonates. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a business leader, or simply want to improve your communication, this episode is packed with practical tips for making your own stories stick. The conversation also highlights the value — and challenge — of sharing your expertise in an authentic, approachable way, ensuring that your message connects powerfully with any audience.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable moments:

  • “You could have the greatest story in the world and you could make it incredibly boring — passion and how you tell it makes all the difference.”  
  • “For people to like a story, you want to have a mix of highbrow and lowbrow — everyone loves a little candy with the substance.”  
  • “Money problems are the same regardless of who you are and when you live — that’s what makes these stories so relatable.”  
  • “When you humanize historical figures and show their mistakes, suddenly they’re just like us — and that’s what draws readers in.”  
  • “If I was on my deathbed today, the book would be one of the five things I’m proudest of in my life.”

Action Steps:

  1. Practice framing your stories for clarity: Talk through your story with someone unfamiliar to spot assumptions and make your message more accessible.
  2. Focus on humanizing your subjects: Highlight relatable challenges or moments to make stories more engaging and memorable.
  3. Balance “highbrow” and “lowbrow” elements: Combine deep insights with entertaining details to educate and captivate your audience.
  4. Test and refine stories through live conversation: Share stories aloud to gauge reactions, tighten delivery, and strengthen your narrative flow.
  5. Include your personal perspective and connect the dots: Add your own experiences and insights to enhance authenticity and make your stories more credible.

 

You’re listening stories that stick. We’ll see you again next time, be sure to click Subscribe to get future episodes.

 

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