From Notre Dame football legend to ESPN, Manti Te'o joins Ben Higgins for an honest conversation about faith, resilience, and forgiveness. Manti Te'o explains his journey from a Mormon upbringing in Hawaii to becoming the face of a prestigious Catholic institution, details the infamous catfishing scandal, and the healing process that followed—including how forgiveness, faith, and family helped him overcome adversity and rebuild his identity. The two also address misconceptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and discuss practical advice for anyone facing bullying, misunderstanding, or moments of public scrutiny.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Growing Up Near South Bend
00:01:27 Choosing Notre Dame Over USC
00:02:08 Faith and Decision-Making
00:03:26 Adjusting to Notre Dame
00:05:30 Finding Common Ground in Faith
00:06:48 Family Visits and Spirituality
00:08:16 Addressing Faith Differences
00:10:20 Heisman Season and Public Spotlight
00:11:34 The Untold Docuseries Reflected
00:13:31 Healing After the Scandal
00:14:00 Separating Narrative from Reality
00:17:17 Losing and Finding Support
00:20:17 Rock Bottom, Faith, and Peace
00:21:42 Forgiveness Toward Others and Self
00:25:43 Handling Bullying and Memes
00:28:57 Rebuilding Identity and Resilience
00:30:16 Encountering the Catfisher’s Family
00:33:06 Addressing Mormon Misconceptions
00:41:17 Relationship to Jesus Christ
00:46:43 Encouragement for Those Struggling

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From corporate boardrooms to shoveling donkey poop in Gucci, Ron King shares his incredible journey from a high-flying magazine executive at Time Inc. to founding Oscar’s Place, a sanctuary for rescued donkeys. After losing everything at 50 and facing personal lows, Ron King discovers the difference between enjoyment and true joy. Hear how a viral TikTok video and a persistent friend led him to a life of unexpected purpose, heartbreak, and happiness—and how he’s bringing donkey rescue to national TV with his new ABC show, Donkey King. If you’ve ever wondered if reinvention is possible at any age, don’t miss this moving conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding meaning, and helping those most overlooked.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Why Ron King Inspires
00:50 When Not to Follow Your Passion
01:43 A Glance at Corporate Success
02:31 Ron King’s Path to Magazines
04:27 Recovery, Addiction, and Redemption
07:28 Falling into New Chapters
09:44 The Persistence that Paid Off
11:16 Lessons from Hitting Bottom
13:31 Defining and Finding Real Joy
14:35 How Donkeys Changed Everything
20:18 Building a Donkey Sanctuary
26:48 Why Donkeys (and Not Horses)?
30:00 Oscar’s Place on ABC’s Donkey King
35:36 Balancing Joy and Heavy Work
37:42 Ron King’s Advice: Hold On
40:22 How to Support Oscar’s Place

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When Gabe Perot’s life changed in a split second, nothing could prepare him—or his loved ones—for what was next. After a near-fatal electric skateboard crash, 18 days in a coma, and what he describes as an encounter with the other side, Gabe returns to share what he experienced, what he saw, and how it’s radically changed his view on faith, identity, and love. Host Ben Higgins dives into Gabe’s story, skepticism, medical realities, and the way one moment can redefine life and belief. Whether you’re curious or searching, this conversation opens up questions about miracles, scripture, prayer, and what it really means to encounter love.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introducing Gabe Perot’s Story
01:12 Gabe’s Life Before the Crash
02:35 The Skateboard Accident
04:08 Flatlining and Coma Experience
06:39 Encountering Jesus and Heaven
09:02 Faith, Scripture, and Transformation
13:04 Embodied Love in Heaven
17:09 Seeing Prayers While in Coma
20:25 Community and Loneliness in Heaven
25:11 Returning to Life
27:29 Attachments and Radical Change
32:57 Handling Skepticism
36:36 Scripture and Prayer Afterward
40:44 Final Reflections and Advice

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When Danielle Crittenden lost her daughter Miranda suddenly at 32, her world shattered. In this deeply honest conversation with Ben Higgins, Danielle—journalist and author of "Dispatches from Grief: A Mother's Journey through the Unthinkable"—opens up about the raw pain of losing a child, the isolating experience of grief, and why “moving on” is a fantasy. She shares her family’s journey, moments of darkness, and what it takes to simply keep going. Danielle unpacks why conventional wisdom around grief can feel hollow, what really helps, and how she finds strength to write, speak, and honor Miranda’s memory. This is a vital listen for anyone touched by loss, those supporting a grieving friend, or searching for honest insight into living after the unimaginable.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Facing the Unthinkable Loss
02:32 Danielle’s Backstory and Career
04:14 The Day Miranda Passed
05:02 Navigating Medical Challenges
07:11 Channeling Grief Into Help
08:24 Writing Through Pain
11:06 The Messiness of Grief
12:26 Fears During Surgery Years
15:33 Remembering Miranda’s Spirit
16:56 Balancing Memory and Grief
21:09 Promoting and Sharing the Book
25:39 Not Becoming a “Grief Influencer”
31:18 EMDR and Healing Resources
36:42 The Ongoing Presence of Grief
40:05 Impact on Family and Relationships
46:11 What Helps Those Who Grieve
48:06 Connecting and Finding Support

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Country music artist Lauren Alaina joins host Ben Higgins for a raw, candid conversation about balancing career, motherhood, and profound personal loss. Lauren discusses the story behind her rising hit "All My Exes," co-writing with Ben Johnson, and how her journey through love shaped her songwriting. She opens up about navigating new motherhood, the challenges of touring, weaning her daughter, and missing milestones as she pursues her music career. Lauren also reflects on losing her father, the impact on her faith, writing music through seasons of grief and joy, and a moving family experience witnessing her stepfather's final moments. Dive into faith, resilience, family, and the stories behind the songs that connect so many listeners.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Lauren On Major Life Changes
00:01:10 Introducing Lauren Alaina
00:01:38 Behind “All My Exes”
00:02:26 Writing With Ben Johnson
00:03:13 Song Inspired By Broadway Days
00:04:20 Shifting Songwriting Styles
00:05:28 The Song’s Journey To Release
00:06:29 Writing From Past Relationships
00:09:16 Becoming A Mom: Benny Doll
00:10:21 Navigating Breastfeeding And Emotions
00:13:07 Parenting On Tour And At Home
00:14:24 Balancing Career And Motherhood
00:17:58 Challenges Of Leaving Her Daughter
00:21:07 Hard Choices As A Working Mom
00:26:15 Prayer And Healing After Loss
00:29:19 Songwriting Through Grief And Joy
00:37:14 Faith And Miraculous Experiences

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On this episode of If You Can Hear Me, Ben sits down with Shaunie Henderson, entrepreneur and creator of Basketball Wives, and Keion Henderson, senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries in Houston. They open up about redefining success, slowing down, and leading a vibrant faith community together. Hear candid stories about transitioning from the hustle of LA to intentional living, the challenges and rewards of church leadership, and how marriage thrives amidst public scrutiny. The couple shares their unique takes on communication, evolving relationships, and what it means to truly listen and serve in today’s world.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Slowing Down With Intention
03:17 Life After Los Angeles
04:49 Feeling “Not Enough” and Letting Go
06:29 Basketball Wives Ends
07:54 Church Leadership Under a Microscope
08:26 Stories of Transformation at Church
11:18 Why Serve Through the Church
13:01 Protecting Personal Health and Awareness
13:38 Marriage, New Seasons, and Communication
15:21 Navigating Hard Conversations Together
19:19 Balancing Love and Leadership Roles
22:03 Differences in Leadership Styles
23:28 Stepping Into Church Leadership
25:07 Building a Hug Ministry
28:53 The Church’s Role in Society

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Comedian Pete Holmes joins Ben Higgins for a deep dive into comedy, faith, and finding true freedom. Pete shares personal stories—divorce, heartbreak, spiritual awakening through Ram Dass and psilocybin, and a journey from strict evangelical roots to embracing spaciousness and play. They dissect why we take life too seriously, the power of laughter to connect us, what spirituality really means beyond labels, and how Pete uses comedy to reveal our shared weirdness. Plus: thoughts on the afterlife, finding peace in uncertainty, Pete’s new special "Silly Silly Fun Boy", and why confession makes us less alone. Tune in for wisdom, honesty, and lots of laughs.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Comedy, Spirituality, and Freedom
01:04 Ben’s Comedy Envy
02:56 The Comedian’s Safe Space
04:26 Laughing at Darkness
05:46 Generational Humor Shifts
06:06 Spirituality and Playfulness
08:49 Lightness, Faith, and Identity
09:59 Breaking Free from Labels
13:39 Pete’s Spiritual Journey
18:49 Heartbreak and Rethinking God
20:14 Mushrooms and Awareness
21:33 Beyond Words and Spiritual Experience
22:51 Myth, Story, and Meaning
23:56 Finding Clarity in Doubt
25:11 Everyday Awareness and Acceptance
29:08 Life, Death, and Consciousness
33:09 Oneness, Afterlife, and Self
35:34 Bridging Comedy and Depth
38:16 Vulnerability, Confession, Connection
42:13 Laughter’s Healing and Holiness
46:45 Silly Silly Fun Boy Promo

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Songwriter Ruston Kelly joins Ben Higgins for a raw, honest conversation on “If You Can Hear Me.” Ruston shares his creative process, spiritual journey, and how making sense of pain fuels his music. The episode explores his struggles with addiction, faith, and the transformative power of gratitude, culminating in his experience with the divine and the impact of love in his life. Discover how Ruston’s latest album, “Pale Through the Window,” became a testament to healing and connection. If you’ve ever felt alone, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a powerful reminder that fulfillment comes not from chasing success, but from community and authenticity.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Mission Behind Ruston’s Music
00:00 Spiritual Paralysis and Finding God
00:48 Ben Higgins Welcomes Ruston Kelly
01:18 Music’s Impact on the Soul
02:27 What Connection Really Means
03:54 Aloneness, Community, and Healing
05:55 Addiction, Suffering, and Fulfillment
07:17 Career Versus Meaning
08:20 Temptation to Shift for Success
09:58 Balancing Art and Commerce
12:05 Competing and Comparing in Industry
14:44 Longing, Despair, and Worship
16:34 Idols and False Selves
18:20 Encounter With the Divine
22:09 Gratitude and Spiritual Awakening
28:07 Doubt After Spiritual Experience
30:42 Trials and Building Back
36:03 Creating “Pale Through the Window”
38:43 Trusting the Creative Process
45:19 Joy, Simplicity, and Vulnerability
47:18 Meeting Tia and True Love
51:21 God’s Timing in Relationships

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