The Russell Brunson Show – Episode Summary
Episode Title: How To Use "Kinda Like" Bridges With Your Hook
Host: Russell Brunson
Date: October 17, 2018
Episode Overview
In this episode, Russell Brunson dives deep into the mechanics of crafting a compelling presentation hook by utilizing what he calls "'kinda like' bridges." Russell shares the behind-the-scenes process of preparing for two upcoming speaking gigs—including a real estate investor event and the massive 10x event. He passionately explains how analogies ("it's kinda like...") can bridge complex marketing or entrepreneurial concepts for any audience, making them relatable and memorable.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power of a Presentation Hook
- Russell reveals the struggle behind nailing the right presentation title and hook:
- Spent eight hours refining just the title.
- Emphasizes that even seasoned pros wrestle with this process.
“I spent eight hours just trying to figure out the title... I can’t even start building slides without it.” (02:44)
2. Introducing the “Unfair Advantage”
- ‘Unfair Advantage’ becomes his anchor concept for the new presentation, especially tailored to real estate investors.
- Justin and Terry Williams (hosts of the real estate event) describe their audience as “in the stone age,” leading Russell to position sales funnels as a major leap forward.
- Russell draws on real-world analogies and pop culture for impact.
3. The “Kinda Like” Bridge Technique
- How it works:
- Take the core idea or big promise and find stories or analogies that make it easier to grasp or more exciting.
- It’s a mental shortcut for your audience, connecting new, possibly complex concepts to things they already understand.
- Primary Example:
- Back to the Future, Part II:
“Remember Back to the Future, Part 2, where Biff went back in time, got the almanac, came back, bet on all the sports scores, being the richest man on earth? That’s what this is kinda like." (05:26)
- Biff’s unfair advantage = Audience’s unfair advantage with sales funnels.
- Back to the Future, Part II:
- Another Analogy:
- Google’s Algorithm:
“It’s kinda like if Larry and Sergey, the founders of Google, just gave you the algorithm.” (05:08)
- Implies receiving insider information that guarantees results.
- Google’s Algorithm:
4. Crafting the Hook
- The process:
- Pick a strong, curiosity-piquing title/hook.
- Find the ‘kinda like’ stories that bridge the audience from unfamiliar to excited.
- Use these bridges to simplify, excite, and create a sense of urgency or opportunity.
5. Practical Examples from Russell’s Experience
- Funnel Builder Secrets Webinar:
- Didn’t start with just the technical details; started with analogies and the “hook."
- Roger Bannister Example:
- Uses the story of the first person to break the four-minute mile:
“I didn’t start out by: Let me show you how to build a funnel—I talked about my hook, then went into Roger Bannister…” (06:16)
- Establishes, "This is like breaking the four-minute mile for your industry.”
- Uses the story of the first person to break the four-minute mile:
6. Why ‘Kinda Like’ Bridges Work
- Teaching complex topics:
- Makes abstract or novel concepts concrete and memorable.
- Creating future vision:
- Helps the audience visualize the transformation or benefits they can achieve.
“Boom. ‘It’s kinda like this.’ And then people are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I see the future, I see why this is so exciting.’” (07:29)
- Helps the audience visualize the transformation or benefits they can achieve.
- Building anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.
7. Personal Touches & Humor
- Russell records from his closet, riffing on his “nude squirrel” T-shirt and family life.
- Shares personal stories about fatherhood and preparing for his son’s award ceremony.
“Aiden, he won an award for being a courteous student. I love him.” (08:13)
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
- On the grind of creating a great hook:
"Even for me, I’ll spend eight hours just trying to figure out the title." (02:44)
- On unfair advantage, via Back to the Future:
“That’s what this is kinda like… I’m giving you guys this unfair advantage.” (05:26)
- On simplifying with analogous bridges:
“I use kinda like bridges every time I try to teach a complicated concept.” (07:04)
- On the audience’s experience:
“People are like, ‘Oh my gosh. I see, I see the future…’” (07:37)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00 – 02:44: Russell’s intro, podcast setting (from his closet), and upcoming speaking events.
- 02:45 – 05:08: The painstaking process of defining a presentation’s hook and the emergence of “Unfair Advantage.”
- 05:09 – 07:04: Using pop culture and tech analogies as ‘kinda like’ bridges (Biff from Back to the Future, Google algorithm).
- 07:05 – 08:13: Leveraging these analogies throughout, with examples from past presentations (Roger Bannister, four-minute mile).
- 08:14 – End: Personal anecdotes and sign-off.
Episode Takeaways
- Spend real time and mental effort finding the RIGHT hook for your message.
- Use “kinda like” bridges to simplify and energize your idea.
- Choose analogies that help people instantly understand and get excited.
- You can always refine your speaking, teaching, or selling by anchoring ideas to familiar stories.
This episode provides actionable, behind-the-scenes wisdom for anyone looking to up their game as a communicator, marketer, or entrepreneur—delivered in Russell’s story-driven, relatable style.
