What happens when a kid from the Netherlands grows up to write the origin story of America's first president?

In this episode, screenwriter Diederik Hoogstraten joins Ben to talk about Young Washington — the Wonder Project film releasing July 3rd to mark America's 250th — and why an immigrant might be uniquely positioned to remind us what this country actually is.

We get into:

- Growing up progressive in 1980s Holland and how Family Ties (yes, really) planted the seeds
- Becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019 and what most Americans miss about their own country
- The Wonder Project, House of David, and building a studio for the audience Hollywood forgot
- Writing George Washington from age 11 to 22 — the failures, the loss, the overbearing mother
- Why failure shaped Washington's character (and what that means for the rest of us)
- A Native American chief, a battlefield, and the moment Washington's purpose became clear

A conversation about country, craft, and the kind of leader formed in the quiet years.

Young Washington hits theaters July 3rd.

CHAPTERS:
00:48 Welcome & guest intro
02:18 Why an immigrant celebrates America 250
03:51 Family Ties and discovering America
06:28 World Cup as a unifying moment
12:48 What the Wonder Project is
17:15 Faith-based or family-friendly?
22:19 The loneliness of screenwriting
27:10 Why focus on young Washington
30:34 Balancing history with creative license
36:36 How failure shapes leaders
43:05 What viewers should take away
48:09 How the project changed him

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In this conversation, the former White House Press Secretary, Fox News anchor, and bestselling author Dana Perino joins Ben Higgins to talk about the unglamorous middle of an ambitious life: the quarter-life crisis, the yeses that change everything, and why worry might be the most wasted emotion we have.

We cover:
- The moment President Bush asked her "What's wrong?" — and changed her career
- How she said yes to becoming Press Secretary in a single second
- Why mentorship works better as conversation than contract
- The "epidemic of interruption" and what listening actually requires
- Her new novel Purple State, and why she wrote a political book without politics
- Faith, humility, and praying silently for strangers on the subway

Dana's perspective is grounded, specific, and refreshingly free of partisan noise. If you're in a season of figuring out what's next — or wondering if you're behind — this one's worth your time.

Dana's new book "Purple State" is available wherever books are sold!

Subscribe for more conversations like this one.

CHAPTERS
00:32 Welcome to If You Can Hear Me
01:11 Why mentorship matters now
05:35 Bush's "what's the worst that could happen"
08:11 The yes that made her press secretary
14:41 Staying excited in a new chapter
19:51 Meeting Peter on a plane
23:16 Humility vs. imposter syndrome
30:06 Inside Purple State's characters
34:39 The epidemic of interruption
40:24 Don't worry your 20s away
44:06 Silent prayers on the subway
49:53 Who Purple State is really for

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Power couple Andrew and Shawn Johnson East join Ben Higgins for a candid dive into marriage, creating together, and balancing business, parenthood, and faith. The duo reveal how “The Courage to Commit”—their co-authored book—was born from years of navigating life on and offline. They open up about the realities of sharing vulnerably with millions, boundary-setting, routines, how commitment brings freedom, and when it’s time to prune commitments or even walk away. This episode is full of insights for couples, creators, and anyone wrestling with intentional living. “The Courage to Commit” releases June 9th.

TIMESTAMPS
00:01 Meeting the Power Couple
00:37 Doing Life and Work Together
01:13 Becoming YouTube Creators
03:13 Risks and Early Content Strategy
05:02 Navigating Content and Authenticity
09:27 Vulnerability and Boundaries Online
12:18 How They Structure Work and Home
15:00 Routines, Rhythms, and Priorities
17:47 Why Write “The Courage to Commit”
20:05 The Countercultural Value of Commitment
22:05 Getting to Know Your Spouse
24:19 Systems for Deeper Marriage Connection
27:28 Commitment as a Path to Freedom
29:07 Commitment, Faith, and Sacred Moments
36:25 Knowing When to Prune or Quit
42:58 Making Decisions as a Couple
46:19 Why Read “The Courage to Commit”

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Go behind the scenes with Ben Higgins as he sits down with Lady A’s Charles Kelley for a candid conversation about faith, sobriety, and the power of second chances. Charles Kelley opens up about his journey through addiction, his evolving relationship with spirituality, and how his bandmates, family, and music have shaped his path toward wholeness. Hear the stories and insights that inspired his solo project, “Songs for a New Moon,” as well as what’s next for Lady A. It’s a raw, reflective, and unfiltered look at transformation, the importance of curiosity, and finding redemption in unexpected places.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Faith, Religion, and Curiosity
02:09 Sobriety and Spiritual Discovery
04:38 Reading Richard Rohr & Faith Journeys
06:09 Family, Bandmates, and Faith Development
08:06 Pressure and Support From Bandmates
10:16 Purpose, Legacy, and Living for More
14:40 God Beyond the Box
16:07 Struggling With Religious Exclusivity
18:35 The Catalyst for Change: Sobriety
22:12 Growth, Family, and God Moments
25:57 Life and Joy After Sobriety
27:22 Social Life Without Drinking
30:13 New Priorities, Legacy, and Respect
32:13 Marriage, Support, and Forgiveness
37:03 "Songs for a New Moon" Inspiration
41:42 Vulnerability, Shame, and Recovery
45:20 Lady A’s Next Chapter and New Music

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What does it really mean to step back from the spotlight and pursue a life of presence? Ben Higgins sits down with Grant Troutt and Madi Troutt for a candid conversation about intentional living, fighting for “irrelevance,” and unplugging from social media in today’s world. Hear their honest struggles, why they chose to be rooted locally, and how faith, accountability, and humility shape their story. The trio explores the impact of ego, staying grounded amid opportunity, parenting while growing spiritually, and how disappointment can lead to deeper faith. Plus: vulnerability, Bible engagement, and practical advice for building authentic community.

TIMESTAMPS
00:01 Living With Intentional Presence
01:29 Stepping Back From Social Media
02:01 Rest, Prayer, and “Fighting Irrelevance”
03:37 The Personal Impact of Logging Off
05:03 Social Media and Career Choices
06:15 Wrestling With Fear of Missing Out
09:00 College, Anxiety, and Comparison
11:05 Faith, Ego, and Self-Promotion
13:25 Rediscovering Authentic Christianity
15:32 Purity, Privacy, and Decision-Making
17:08 Set Apart Yet Engaged
19:31 Redefining “Of the World”
21:05 Personal Transformation Stories
25:22 Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment
32:24 Navigating Ambition and Purpose
36:35 Letting Go of Limitations on God
42:07 Disappointment, Humility, and Stewardship
46:54 Life Updates and Local Roots
52:09 Wrestling With the Bible’s Role

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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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