Episodes

  • Read All About It!

    Read All About It!
    Mar 2 2026
    Get ready to Read All About It! This week, Benjamin shares an extra special sneak peek at his very first children’s book inspired by a weathered little toy hedgehog that traveled in his pocket through war zones and back home again. Plus, Benjamin’s daughters make their podcast debut to talk about their famous hedgehog friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • Rewiring The Brain Behind Bars

    Rewiring The Brain Behind Bars
    Feb 23 2026
    Former crime reporter Debra Des Vignes has gone beyond the headlines to understand and reform the minds of those behind bars. While volunteering inside a prison, Debra discovered the profound impact creative writing had on incarcerated individuals. This inspired her to form the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop, a course that allows participants to process past traumas, express remorse, and develop greater self-awareness. She discusses the transformations she has witnessed and explains why she transitioned away from news reporting to focus on the human story behind the crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • The Weight of the Medal

    The Weight of the Medal
    Feb 16 2026
    Ever wondered what it takes to face the impossible in a split-second choice? Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg recounts his experience serving in Afghanistan, where he was forced to make a life-altering decision in a high-stakes moment. Following the attack, Captain Groberg discusses his long recovery process, addressing his battle with mental health and the journey of finding a new purpose. He explains the immense responsibility he carries as a Medal of Honor recipient, viewing the award not as a personal prize, but as a duty to pay homage to the brothers-in-arms he lost that day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • The Choice To Keep Going

    The Choice To Keep Going
    Feb 9 2026
    Ben revisits his conversation with adventurer Darren Edwards and provides an update on Darren's most recent mission to redefine the impossible. While mountaineering at "World’s End" in North Wales, Darren plummeted 100 feet after the rock face gave way beneath his feet. The impact shattered his spine and severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Darren discusses how his best friend, Matt, saved his life in a split-second moment and what his recovery process has looked like beyond the initial physical trauma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • The Ruthless Reality of Modern Iran

    The Ruthless Reality of Modern Iran
    Feb 2 2026
    Benjamin discusses the ongoing government crackdown on protests that continue across Iran. He describes the lack of freedom experienced by the Iranian people under the current regime and the great difficulty to speak to anyone in country because of the imposed internet blackout, and the deadly fear of regime retaliation. Benjamin analyzes the complex geopolitical situation facing the U.S. in dealing with the Iranian regime. He shares his experience traveling within the country and the people's hospitable culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Mark Schonwetter: A Holocaust Survivor's Story of Resilience

    Mark Schonwetter: A Holocaust Survivor's Story of Resilience
    Jan 26 2026
    "One day you're going to see it will be fine." - Mark Schonwetter In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, survivor Mark Schonwetter and his daughter Isabella Fiske join Benjamin to shed light on the importance of acceptance, resilience, and faith. Mark was a young child when the Nazis occupied Poland during World War II. He talks about fleeing his home to the Dębica Ghetto, surviving near starvation, and hiding with his mom and sister. He describes how his mother’s relentless positivity gave his family hope to survive. Years after World War II ended, Mark immigrated to America, where he and his daughters founded the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation, to educate students on the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of religious hatred. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Defying Gravity

    Defying Gravity
    Jan 19 2026
    "You can't just take away someone's right, because you think it's something they can't do." - Hari Budha Magar World Record breaking mountaineer and Pride of Britain winner Hari Budha Magar shares his commitment to defy all odds and continue seeking adventure despite losing his legs in 2010 to an IED in Afghanistan whilst serving with the British Army’s Ghurkha regiment. Hari retells his journey to become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest mountain on every continent. Despite facing immense physical and mental challenges, Hari shares his mission to inspire others to tackle the "Mount Everests" in their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • The Power of Positivity

    The Power of Positivity
    Jan 12 2026
    "Resilience is something that is built." - Robert Paylor Motivational speaker and author of 'Paralyzed to Powerful', Robert Paylor, a former University of California, Berkeley rugby player, was paralyzed from the neck down during the 2017 National Championships. Instantaneously, an unforgettable day quickly became a pivotal moment in his life. Despite this life-altering injury, Robert has shown incredible resilience and determination throughout his recovery process, breaking barriers that his doctors labeled impossible. He shares the mental strategies he employs to stay positive and the importance of forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins