Heard Podcast

How do we release our need for control? It's all too often that the hectic whims of the world seem to subject us to circumstances that we'd rather not be in. But usually, the most painful parts of those situations come from worrying about things we have no say over whatsover. In his time working with CEO's and entrepreneurs, Benjamin has focused on two key concepts: The Career Matrix and the Creative Economy. In this episode, Benjamin unpacks these two ideas, and explores several elements that we can all use to improve our careers and our everyday lives.

It's possible to feel alone even when we're surrounded by people, but one of the best ways to reach out and make a connection is by using art. When it seems society is spinning out of control, art can be used as a platform to pull us back together. Today Benjamin sits down with artist and activist Damilola Apotieri to discuss his belief that no matter the circumstance, where there is life, there is hope, and it's art that can help us find it.

Whenever we reach out, we open ourselves up to feedback. It can be positive or negative, but the concept of feedback alone can be daunting enough to some that it shuts down our willingness to communicate. Thomas Knox is the creator of Date While You Wait, and in the intimate settings he creates with strangers he's constantly making himself vulnerable to feedback. When Ben sits down to chat with Thomas, they discuss everything from fashion, to family, to using the feedback we get from those around us to create even better things in the world.

In the wake of tragic events its easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of anger and confusion that almost assuredly follows. After the events of Charlottesville, it feels like tension has reached an all time high. In this episode, Ben sits down with Pearce Godwin of the Listen First Project to discuss what it's like to listen to those who only seem to spew hate to cover up their hurt.

Whether we agree with them or not, there are certain people who have done so much, and seen so much, that their perspective gives a palpable credence to their stories and beliefs. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin is one of those people. He has served his country with valor and dignity, but as a man of faith, he's also had to weigh his religious beliefs against his choices on the battlefield. When he sits down with Ben, the two discuss religion, violence and reconciliation. The conversations might be polarizing, but as always, it's worth listening to.

True courage is found when we prioritize the needs of others over the needs of ourselves. When that happens, it can inspire us to do the profound and daring. For Linda Mathes, it's pushed her into the spotlight of leadership. She serves as the CEO to one of the most highly regarded non-profits in the world, The Red Cross. When she sits down with Benjamin to chat, she sheds light on what it means to lead, and what it means lead when millions of lives are affected by your decisions.

It's tough to speak of suffering. Helena Walsh is a renowned voice coach that's worked with actors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a greater understanding of person to person communication. But one subject that often gives all of us pause is pain. Join Ben and Helena as they discuss everything from accents, to language, before digging into the need to accept pain, while being available for those going through it.

When Kyle Selig became involved in theater, it was because he wanted to reach out to the other people around him. As Kyle and Benjamin sit down to chat, they dive in to the purpose of theater as well as the responsibilities actors have to vulnerability and responding to the needs and struggles of society. Join in and watch the line blur, as the lessons and wisdom of the stage become applicable to all of us.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the UFC, Anderson Silva is no stranger to success. However, when he sits down to talk with Benjamin, the two dive into how moments of failure can be used to drive us to greater heights and deeper passions. For Anderson, that means venturing into a profession he's never attempted before and figuring out how to build himself up to achieve his dream: Inspiring others to chase their own.

In the last 30 years, our discussions over gender and sexual identity have radically transformed. But even with all the progress that's been made, the dialogue can be awkward, difficult, and taxing despite the need for the discourse to occur. Joslyn DeFreece sits down with Ben to discuss what it's like to keep the conversation going and to remain optimistic, even when it feels like its going nowhere.