Welcome back to Ben Thinking with host Ben Neveras.In this thought-provoking episode, Ben sits down with Will Rucker, a Las Vegas community health professional pursuing his Doctorate in Public Health. Together, they explore the power of compassion, the realities of addiction, and how our relationships shape our overall well-being.From quitting nicotine to the science of social connection, Will shares actionable insights into how we can build healthier communities—one conversation at a time. The two also dive into practical public health solutions, like improving walkable cities, youth engagement, and creating inclusive spaces that help people thrive.🎧 In This Episode:What public health really means (and why it touches everything)The science behind compassion and resilienceWhy social connection is key to better healthYouth mental health and community engagementPublic transportation, city design, and health equityHow to actually make a difference where you live🕒 Timestamps 0:00 – 2:00 | Intro — Meet Will Rucker and the topic of compassion2:00 – 5:00 | What is compassion? Breaking down awareness, empathy, and action5:00 – 10:00 | How social connection impacts health and longevity10:00 – 15:00 | Why family meals and emotional states affect how your body digests food15:00 – 25:00 | Public health explained — from city design to tobacco cessation25:00 – 35:00 | Blue zones, community living, and the secret to longevity35:00 – 45:00 | Youth mental health, volunteering, and “Dads in Schools”45:00 – 50:00 | Casinos, addiction, and the economics of health50:00 – 55:00 | Sex work, policy, and paradoxes in public values55:00 – 1:01:05 | Music, books, and being human — finding balance and connection📢 Call to Action:If this conversation inspired you, take one small step toward compassion today:👥 Say hi to your neighbor.📚 Learn something new about your city.🗳️ Vote and get involved in local public health initiatives.Subscribe to Ben Thinking for more real, raw, and transformative conversations.🎧 Follow Ben Neveras on Instagram and TikTok @BenNeveras📩 For sponsorships or appearances, email [email protected]🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinkingPodcast #BenNeveras #WillRucker #PublicHealth #CommunityHealth #CompassionMatters #HealthEquity #MindBodyConnection #SocialWellness #LasVegasHealth #CommunityFirst #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastClips #WellnessPodcast

In this episode of Ben Thinking, host Ben Neveras sits down with Adrian Wolf — author, personal trainer, PhD candidate, and former Navy serviceman — to dive deep into the psychology of fitness, healing, and discipline.

Adrian opens up about his journey from hockey coach to exercise scientist, the lessons from his divorce, and how therapy and writing helped him rebuild his purpose. They unpack his two books, Skate Lift Recover and Awareness Before Action, exploring how awareness, community, and values shape lasting health — both physical and mental.

💭 This episode isn’t just about reps and sets. It’s about resilience, reflection, and the power of asking yourself the right questions.

00:00 – Intro: Meet Adrian Wolf
02:00 – From hockey to strength coach: the early years
05:00 – Writing Skate Lift Recover and Awareness Before Action
09:00 – Why mindset and psychology matter more than any program
12:00 – Emotional eating and awareness in daily decisions
15:00 – Value-based decision making in fitness and life
17:00 – Why Adrian pursued a PhD at UNLV
20:00 – Divorce, adversity, and rediscovering self-worth
24:00 – The power of therapy and asking hard questions
29:00 – Finding the right therapist and timing your healing
32:00 – On medication, stigma, and mental health
33:30 – The role of community and human connection in fitness
36:00 – Favorite exercises: squats, deadlifts, and Navy training stories
39:00 – Coaching coaches: communication and growth
43:00 – Why strength coaches are underpaid
46:00 – Passion vs. practicality: balancing fulfillment and finances
50:00 – The reality of PhD life and future goals
54:00 – Lessons learned and staying open-minded
56:00 – Where to find Adrian Wolf online
58:00 – Outro

#BenThinking #BenNeveras #AdrianWolf #FitnessMindset #ExerciseScience #HealthAndHealing #Resilience #TherapyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PhDLife #UNLV #StrengthCoach #PersonalDevelopment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #Discipline #GrowthMindset #AwarenessBeforeAction #SkateLiftRecover

👉 If this episode made you think differently about your health, mindset, or purpose — hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who needs

🕒 Timestamps (58:10 total)🏷️ Social Media Tags / Keywords📢 Call to Action

Welcome back to Ben Thinking, hosted by Ben Neveras!In this episode, Ben sits down with Paul Baer, the head coach and co-owner of the Las Vegas Venom, to explore the rise of the United Grid League — the world’s first professional co-ed fitness team sport.Paul breaks down what makes GRID so unique, how athletes of all levels can get involved, and the power of teamwork, inclusivity, and purpose in competition. From the mindset behind coaching elite athletes to building a business that values respect and unity, this episode dives deep into what it takes to win — both on and off the grid.🎧 Topics Include:- What is the United Grid League?- The difference between Grid, CrossFit, and traditional sports- The importance of inclusivity and teamwork- Building the Las Vegas Venom brand- How athletes and gyms can get involvedTimestamps:0:00 – 2:00 | Introduction – Meet Paul Baer & the Las Vegas Venom2:00 – 5:00 | What Is Grid League? The World’s First Co-Ed Team Fitness Sport5:00 – 10:00 | Strength, Bodyweight, and Utility – The Three Athlete Types10:00 – 13:00 | Why Anyone Can Play GRID (Even Kids!)13:00 – 16:00 | The Dangers of Overtraining and the Value of Specialization16:00 – 20:00 | Building a Team and Business That Works20:00 – 25:00 | Team Values: Respect, Inclusivity, and Teamwork25:00 – 40:00 | Meet the Athletes of the Las Vegas Venom – Profiles and Highlights40:00 – 50:00 | What It Takes to Be a Champion and the Future of GRID50:00 – 55:34 | How to Get Involved + Closing Thoughts📢 Call to ActionIf you love fitness, teamwork, and innovation — this episode is for you!👉 Subscribe to Ben Thinking for more inspiring conversations with athletes, coaches, and creators shaping the future of sport.💪 Follow the Las Vegas Venom on Instagram @lasvegasvenom🎥 Watch full GRID matches on YouTube — just search “Las Vegas Venom United Grid League.”📩 Want to be featured or sponsor an episode? Contact us at [email protected]🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinkingPodcast #UnitedGridLeague #LasVegasVenom #PaulBaer #GridLeague #FunctionalFitness #CoedSports #Teamwork #AthleteMindset #FitnessInnovation #LasVegasAthletes #SportsPodcast #BenNeveras #GritAndGrowth #StrengthAndStrategy

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Ben Thinking, host Ben Neveras sits down with Ben P, a man whose journey through pain, transformation, and self-discovery will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.Together, they unpack what it means to face your own breaking points — from rebuilding after loss, to redefining success, to learning how to show up as your full, authentic self.Ben P opens up about the lessons he’s learned from failure, the process of forgiveness, and finding peace in vulnerability.This episode isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level motivation. It’s about the real, messy, human process of becoming whole again — one step at a time.🎧 A story of growth, gratitude, and what happens when you finally stop running from yourself.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction: Two Bens, one powerful story06:00 — Ben P’s early life and first major challenges12:30 — Hitting rock bottom: What forced him to change20:00 — The turning point — a moment of painful self-awareness27:00 — Lessons from loss and rebuilding identity35:00 — What true strength actually looks like42:00 — Forgiveness, healing, and letting go of guilt51:30 — The importance of vulnerability and real connection59:00 — Facing fear and finding purpose again1:07:00 — How pain can become your greatest teacher1:15:00 — Redefining success and happiness1:25:00 — Why self-acceptance is the ultimate freedom1:35:00 — The final message: how to move forward with grace1:44:00 — Closing thoughts & gratitude🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinking #Podcast #BenNeveras #BenP #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Vulnerability #Healing #Forgiveness #Resilience #MentalHealth #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #OvercomingChallenges #LifeLessons #EmotionalGrowth #Mindset #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Inspiration📢 Call to Action💭 If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it today.👍 Like the video and subscribe to Ben Thinking for more raw, real conversations about growth, purpose, and becoming who you’re meant to be.🗣️ Drop a comment — what part of Ben P’s story resonated most with you?

Ben Thinking Podcast | Zion Young: Overseas Basketball, Mindset, and the Road to RecoveryIn this episode, Ben sits down with Zion Young, a professional basketball player from Chicago who’s taken his talents from college hoops to the international stage. Zion opens up about his journey through injuries, recovery, overseas play, and how his mindset has shaped his path on and off the court.You’ll discover:What life is really like playing professional basketball overseas- How to stay mentally strong through injuries and setbacks- The cultural and training differences between the U.S. and international play- The mindset that separates average athletes from professionals- Why gratitude and self-belief matter more than talentTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Zion’s background02:00 – From Chicago to the pros: Zion’s basketball journey06:00 – Playing overseas: Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Ecuador10:00 – Cultural differences and adapting abroad14:00 – What basketball means overseas vs. in the U.S.18:00 – Training, discipline, and the mental side of the game22:00 – Life lessons from travel, risk, and competition27:00 – Building toughness and dealing with adversity33:00 – The importance of faith, focus, and consistency37:00 – Favorite players and what he’s learned from them42:00 – Building the “perfect player” from NBA influences48:00 – Life off the court: food, travel, and balance53:00 – Injuries, recovery, and learning patience59:00 – Mindset during rehab and the fight to return stronger1:05:00 – Lessons learned from the journey so far1:10:00 – Final reflections and gratitudeKey Takeaways:- Success overseas comes down to adaptability and mental toughness.- Every injury can become a lesson if you stay patient and focused.- Overseas competition teaches humility, discipline, and appreciation.- Mindset separates good players from great ones.- Gratitude and faith keep you grounded through highs and lows.If Zion’s story inspired you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone chasing their dream.Comment below: What lesson from Zion’s journey stood out to you most?Listen to The Ben Thinking Podcast every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Ben Thinking, host Ben Neveras sits down with Tyas for a raw and enlightening conversation on fitness, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), personal growth, and the mindset shift from chasing goals to living in the present.They dive into topics like hormone balance, health scares, body transformation, the science of brown fat, and the philosophy of enjoying the process over the outcome. Tyas also shares insights on self-awareness, the psychology of training, and why failing fast might just be the key to success in the AI era.If you’re into fitness, philosophy, or just love thought-provoking conversations that mix science, humor, and personal truth—this one’s for you.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 — Welcome & catching up01:00 — Tyas’s transformation: weight loss and TRT journey02:20 — Testosterone replacement therapy explained04:30 — Elon Musk, acronyms, and risk-taking billionaires05:30 — Blood work, high T levels & health side effects06:30 — Life on and off TRT08:10 — Estrogen spikes & mental effects09:25 — Body fat, DEXA scans & measuring progress10:20 — Resting energy expenditure and metabolism12:10 — Muscle efficiency & energy cost12:30 — Brown fat, cold plunges, and thermogenesis14:40 — Cold plunge mornings, sauna nights15:00 — Gym wins, confidence, and mental growth17:00 — Weird body responses and cardio struggles19:10 — Endurance frustrations & skill learning21:00 — Enhancing performance: EPO & red blood cells22:00 — The problem with goals & learning to be present24:00 — Focusing on process vs. outcome26:00 — Failing fast and adapting in the age of AI28:00 — Future focus, innovation & staying ahead29:00 — Gaza question chaos & closing moments#BenThinking #Podcast #BenNeveras #Tyas #FitnessJourney #TRT #TestosteroneReplacementTherapy #Motivation #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #HealthAndWellness #BodyTransformation #ColdPlunge #AIInnovation #SelfImprovement #MentalHealth #Philosophy #Gratitude #Discipline #GymTalk👉 Subscribe to Ben Thinking for more deep conversations that challenge your mindset and inspire your growth.💬 Drop a comment — what part of this episode hit you the hardest?👍 Like, share, and tag a friend who needs to hear this!

In this episode of Ben Thinking, Ben Nevares sits down with Ryan Walker for an in-depth conversation about business, fitness, mindset, and the real challenges that come with pursuing success.

Across nearly two hours, Ben and Ryan dive into:

• Ryan’s background and how he built his career 💼

• The realities of entrepreneurship and what it takes to stay consistent 🔑

• Fitness, discipline, and how physical training connects to business performance 🏋️

• Mental health, balance, and avoiding burnout 🌱

• The lessons Ryan has learned from both wins and failures along the way 🔄

This episode blends raw honesty, practical advice, and powerful reflections you can apply to your own journey — whether in business, training, or personal growth.

• Success requires both discipline and resilience — motivation alone isn’t enough.

• Entrepreneurship is as much a mental game as it is a financial one.

• Fitness and business go hand-in-hand: the same principles apply to both.

• Balance is key — avoiding burnout requires self-awareness and intentional choices.

• Failures often carry the most valuable lessons.

0:00 – Intro & guest Ryan Walker
4:20 – Ryan’s background and early influences
12:45 – Building a career in business and entrepreneurship
23:30 – The connection between discipline in fitness and success in business
35:10 – Mental health, stress, and finding balance
47:55 – The role of failure in long-term growth
1:01:20 – Practical advice for staying consistent and avoiding burnout
1:15:00 – Lessons Ryan wishes he knew earlier
1:31:40 – The future of business, fitness, and personal development
1:40:50 – Closing reflections
1:44:00 – Outro

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow Ben Thinking so you don’t miss future episodes. Share this episode with a friend who’s into fitness, business, or personal growth — and let us know what stood out to you most from Ryan’s story.

• Instagram: @bennevares – host of Ben Thinking, powerlifter, coach, and creator.

Key TakeawaysTimestamps (1h 44m episode)Call to ActionFollow Ben Nevares

In this solo episode of Ben Thinking, Ben Nevares reflects on the discipline, struggles, and mindset shifts that come with pursuing goals in training, business, and life. Across 29 minutes, Ben opens up about:Why discipline and consistency beat motivation every time 💡How he balances bodybuilding, podcasting, and personal growth 🔑The mental battles of showing up on days when energy is low 🔄Why chasing meaning matters more than chasing comfort 🌱This is Ben unfiltered — honest reflections, practical lessons, and a reminder that growth comes through discomfort.Key Takeaways:- Discipline Over motivation: success comes from showing up, not waiting to “feel like it.”- Struggles are part of the process — and where the most growth happens.- Balance means sacrifice: you can’t excel in every area at once, and that’s okay.- Meaningful goals give you fuel to keep pushing, even when the process feels heavy.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & why this solo episode matters2:10 – Discipline vs. motivation in training and life6:35 – The hardest part of balancing bodybuilding, podcasting, and work11:45 – Pushing through low-energy days and mental blocks17:20 – Why comfort is the enemy of growth22:40 – The importance of choosing meaningful goals27:00 – Final reflections & closing thoughts29:00 – OutroCall to ActionIf this solo episode gave you something to think about, follow Ben Thinking so you don’t miss future conversations. Share it with a friend who needs a reminder to stay consistent, and let Ben know what resonated most with you.Follow Ben NevaresInstagram: @bennevareshost of Ben Thinking, powerlifter, coach, and creator.

In this episode of Ben Thinking, I sit down with Justin to unpack the world of private equity—what it is, how it works, and why it plays such a big role in today’s business landscape.

Justin shares his journey into finance, the differences between private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds, and what really goes into acquiring and scaling companies. We also dive into misconceptions about the industry, risk management, investor expectations, and the real impact private equity has on everyday businesses.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or just curious about how big business deals actually happen, this conversation breaks down private equity in a way that’s both approachable and insightful.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed in this field—or how these firms create long-term value—you won’t want to miss this episode.

• What private equity is and how it differs from venture capital and hedge funds

• Real-world examples of deals and how companies are acquired and scaled

• Risk management, investor expectations, and long-term value creation

• Misconceptions about private equity and what it really takes to succeed

• How private equity impacts the broader economy and everyday businesses

• Justin’s personal journey, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring professionals

0:00 – Intro & guest Justin
2:15 – What is private equity?
7:42 – Justin’s journey into finance
12:30 – PE vs. VC vs. hedge funds
18:05 – How deals are structured
25:40 – Acquiring & scaling companies
33:12 – Managing investors & expectations
41:55 – Misconceptions about private equity
48:22 – Risks, failures & lessons learned
54:10 – Private equity’s impact on everyday businesses
1:01:45 – Advice for young professionals
1:06:30 – Closing thoughts
1:08:00 – Outro

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow Ben Thinking so you don’t miss future episodes. Share this podcast with a friend who’s curious about finance, investing, or private equity.

Key TakeawaysTimestamps (1h 8m)Call to Action

In this episode, Ben sits down with Joe Tepe, owner of Stripe Barbell, to talk about building a business, training athletes, and creating a culture of strength. Joe shares his journey as a gym owner, the lessons he’s learned from the weight room, and why simplicity still beats trends in the fitness industry.You’ll discover:The story behind Stripe Barbell and Joe’s journey as a gym ownerWhy discipline and consistency matter more than motivationThe business side of running a gym and building a brandCommon mistakes people make in training and recoveryWhat real success looks like inside and outside the gymTimestamps (48 minutes)00:00 – Introduction and Joe Tepe’s background03:00 – The story behind Stripe Barbell07:00 – Discipline, consistency, and gym culture12:00 – Lessons learned from building a business in fitness16:00 – The role of ego in training and ownership21:00 – Simplicity over trends: why the basics always work27:00 – Training athletes and general population differently32:00 – Entrepreneurship and the realities of gym ownership37:00 – Mental health, community, and why gyms matter43:00 – Joe’s advice for anyone starting their training or business journey47:00 – Closing thoughts and gratitudeKey Takeaways:Strength training is simple — the basics still deliver the biggest results.Owning a gym is less about equipment and more about building community.Discipline beats motivation; consistency creates results.Ego can derail both training and business ownership.True success isn’t just financial; it’s about impact and longevity.Call to ActionIf Joe’s story resonated with you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.Comment below: What’s the biggest lesson the gym has taught you?Catch new episodes every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.