Episodes

  • It's Never Too Late To Start Over

    It's Never Too Late To Start Over
    Sep 15 2025
    "It turned into this dark thing where I was using my pain as a party favor." In 2018, Aaron Stark's story of rebirth captivated the nation when his TED Talk entitled "I Was Almost A School Shooter" went viral. Aaron details how his traumatic childhood introduced him to a life of self-destruction and low self-esteem. He joins Ben to share how the unconditional kindness of a friend ultimately gave him the courage to rebuild his life and become the man he always wanted to be. Now, as a mental health advocate, Aaron emphasizes the importance of extending compassion to those who need it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • A New Season Calls For A New Beginning

    A New Season Calls For A New Beginning
    Sep 8 2025
    Although not everyone experiences trauma that drives significant change, many people undergo transformations and choose to redirect their lives for a new purpose. Ben describes the courage it takes to go through a rebirth and how inspiring these stories are to people who desire a new lease on life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    9 mins
  • The Forgiveness Project

    The Forgiveness Project
    Sep 1 2025
    Award-winning journalist and the founder of 'The Forgiveness Project,' Marina Cantacuzino, explains the inspiration behind her passion project, 'The Forgiveness Project.' She shares stories of forgiveness and how her research deepened her understanding of the topic. Marina examines the nature of forgiveness, providing examples of individuals who have experienced tragedies and how they've navigated their trauma. She also dissects whether religion plays a significant role in forgiveness and whether it helps an individual move forward with their life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • The Foundation Of Forgiveness

    The Foundation Of Forgiveness
    Aug 25 2025
    On December 14, 2012, Scarlett Lewis experienced a life-altering pain when she, along with the world, discovered that her 6-year-old son Jesse, 19 of his classmates, and 6 educators had been killed in a school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. The morning of his murder, Jesse left three words, "Norturing Helinn Love" behind on the kitchen chalkboard, as a permanent reminder of his incredible and pure life. These three words would become the catalyst for Scarlett establishing the Choose Love Movement, a reminder that at the root of forgiveness and understanding is nurturing, healing, and love. Jesse's life is a profound reminder of how forgiveness goes beyond letting go of pain and anger, but instead choosing to understand, in order to let go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Is Forgiveness Always Required?

    Is Forgiveness Always Required?
    Aug 18 2025
    Does our society require us to forgive? Author of "You Don't Need To Forgive," Amanda Ann Gregory, ponders whether it is a dire necessity. As a trauma survivor, Amanda understands what it is like to struggle with the idea of forgiveness, and now as a licensed trauma psychotherapist, she helps others conquer the subject. She describes the importance of feeling all the emotions following a trauma, and explores the belief that forgiveness is not always the solution to healing emotional trauma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • The Man Who Forgave His Son's Killer

    The Man Who Forgave His Son's Killer
    Aug 11 2025
    "There are victims at both ends of the gun," was Azim Khamisa's response when asked how he was able to forgive and build a relationship with his son's killer. After the gang-related murder of his son Tariq in 1995, Azim grappled with the concept of forgiveness, leaning on his faith and family to help him heal. He shares his story of forgiveness and the steps he believes people can follow on their personal journeys of healing. Later, he reflects on the remarkable work of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation to reduce youth violence across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • A Journey Of Forgiveness

    A Journey Of Forgiveness
    Aug 4 2025
    As Benjamin closes out the theme of solitude, he introduces the next theme: forgiveness.Does forgiveness benefit society better than the victim? If it doesn't erase pain, does it restore what has been lost? Does forgiveness come from the pressure to be noble? Over the next few weeks Benjamin will have deep conversations to uncover the answers to these questions, while also exploring his own thoughts and feelings on both the presence and absence of forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • The Point Of Vanishing

    The Point Of Vanishing
    Jul 28 2025
    Solitude Chapter 4: Is spending time alone the answer to redirecting our attention? As Benjamin concludes this chapter on solitude he's joined by the author of The Point of Vanishing, Howard Axelrod.After suffering a traumatic eye injury, that left him blind in one eye, Howard felt disconnected from the world around him. His solution for reconnection was to pack his bags and move to the woods of northern Vermont for two years and live in complete isolation. Howard shares how he discovered the beauty in solitude and discusses what it was like to reconnect with himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    39 mins