Become a better speaker & writer
I want to help you become a better speaker and writer. I’ve always found anecdotes to be a very useful tool. My book, Total Anecdotal, and podcast were created to inspire and help you.
Being able to communicate clearly, either spoken or written, has never been more challenging than it is today. After all, if you don’t master the mechanics of effective communication, the content of your message won’t much matter!
This book is a catalog of anecdotes relevant to different subjects designed to support your speech and help you make your case. The podcast, 15 Minutes with Charlie, further reflects on these anecdotes with stories from a wide range of outstanding people listed and identified below.
Latest Episodes

Tom Patri | Good Things Take Effort, Embody Passion
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem sits down with old friend and premier golf instructor, Tom Patri. Together, they explore anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
Johnny Bench Part 2 | Humor, Heroes, and Baseball
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem once again sits down with Baseball Hall of Famer, Johnny Bench to continue their conversation from part 1. Together, they continue to explore anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
Johnny Bench Part 1 | MVP with the Cincinnati Reds and Baseball Hall of Famer
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem sits down with former MVP with the Cincinnati Reds, Baseball Hall of Famer, as well as avid golfer, Johnny Bench. Together they explore anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
Nick Clooney | American Television Personality
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem sits down with Nick Clooney, an American television personality, brother to singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, and father to actor and philanthropist George Clooney. Charlie and Nick dive into anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
Richard Smucker | Humor Makes for a Better Life
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem sits down with an old and dear friend and former colleague at the legendary JM Smucker Company, Richard Smucker. Together they explore anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
Russ Meyer | The Best Private Aviation Executive in the World
In this episode of 15 Minutes With Charlie, Charlie Mechem sits down with Russ Meyer, a dear friend of Charlie’s and quite possibly the best Private Aviation Executive in the world. Russ uses his unique experiences in all things life and aviation to reflect on anecdotes from “Total Anecdotal: A Fun Guide to Help You Become a Better Speaker and Writer.”
“His collection here inspires you, makes you pause and think and even makes you laugh- thought provoking and entertaining. Thank you Charlie.”
-Jack Nicklaus, Golf Legend