This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his favorite people on earth — Jennifer Geisser, Executive Vice President of Communications for Bravo and Peacock Unscripted, and the woman running the entire Bravo universe while Ben runs around in sparkly shoes.

Before Jen even joins the chat, Ben unleashes a full rant on:

• Getting blocked from the Granbury Breaking News Facebook page (shocker)
• Being surrounded by trash families at the theater
• Moviegoers who crinkle Skittles bags during emotional Wicked moments
• Snapchatting during a movie 
• Children running in the aisles of Wicked like it’s Chuck E. Cheese

Then Jen arrives, and chaos officially begins.

Together, Ben and Jen break down their insane week:

• BravoCon madness — 30,000 fans, celebrities everywhere, panels, parties, and production on a scale Ben’s never seen
• The Sprinter van moments, including Ben sitting with his Bravolebrities like it’s totally normal
• Jen managing talent, PR crises, logistics, executives, and Bravo’s entire empire
• Ben sneaking his way onto the Bravo float at Pride like he belongs there
• A recap of every after-party, including Ben and Jen being physically allergic to going home early
• The suitcase catastrophe at 5 a.m. — duct tape, panic, and a broken zipper
• Flying from Vegas to NYC on no sleep and running into Jen’s boss at the gate
• Barely making it to the Wicked movie premiere
• Jen dressed exactly like Glinda and Ben pushing little children out of the way so she could take a photo in the bubble
• Falling asleep during Wicked because they were literally dead
• Ben peeing next to Jonathan Bailey (a core memory)
• Getting nearly run over by Michelle Yeoh’s dress
• Their night at Mary Jane on Broadway (late, obviously)
• The sea-turtle charity event in Brooklyn
• Delta upgrades, diamond perks, and Ben stealing Jen’s global upgrade

It’s pure chaos, nonstop laughter, Bravo tea, Wicked obsession, and friendship at its finest.

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Weston Brown, a Texas native whose shocking and emotional story has captured national attention.

Weston grew up in a hyper-religious, politically extreme household just outside Dallas — homeschooled, isolated, and forbidden from music, movies, doctors, or anything that didn’t fit a narrow version of “God’s plan.” When he came out as gay, he was fired from his church job, cut off from his family, and told he could never come home.

Years later, Weston discovered that his mother — now living in Granbury — had become a political activist trying to ban books with LGBTQ+ characters. So he returned to Texas, took the podium at a school-board meeting, and made headlines across the country with his brave, heartfelt testimony. That moment inspired a documentary and his upcoming memoir.

Ben and Weston dive into:

• Growing up under fundamentalist evangelical control
• How fear, isolation, and “purity culture” damage kids
• The shocking “poop brownie” story that went viral in Granbury
• Weston’s mother’s campaign to ban books — and her public defeat
• The reality of homeschooling laws in Texas and children’s rights
• Healing through therapy, marriage, and self-acceptance
• How religion is weaponized against LGBTQ+ people
• Finding purpose in advocacy and the power of representation

It’s an episode filled with courage, catharsis, and hope — proof that even in the most closed-minded places, truth and love will always find a way through.

 Follow Weston Brown

Instagram: @wstn.brwn
Film: https://thelibrariansfilm.com/
Book: https://bannedthebook.com/ 
 

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his best friends — actress and producer Laura Munoz-Bottini, who just happens to be the granddaughter of The Duke himself, John Wayne.

The episode opens with martinis, cinnamon sticks, and chaos as Ben and Laura reminisce about their first acting class together in 2015, where Darrell the acting coach famously told Ben to “go write a letter in the closet and fight for Little Ben.” (Yes — in the closet.)

From there, the conversation flows from laughter to legacy as Laura opens up about:

• Growing up as John Wayne’s granddaughter and calling him simply “Granddaddy.”
• Visiting his house, watching movies in his private theater, and the iconic treadmill story.
• How her parents taught her humility — to build her own name before ever mentioning his.
• The power of hard work and why her grandfather’s real legacy is about integrity, not fame.
• Stories from the John Wayne Museum in Fort Worth, including the custom station wagon built to fit his cowboy hat.
• A touching story of a man who wrote to John Wayne as a kid and was inspired decades later to open a film studio — a full-circle moment that connects generations of dreamers.

The episode takes a hilariously unhinged turn when Laura recounts a career pitch gone wrong that ends with poop in a Tesla, while Ben shares his latest run-in with “Humpty Dumpty Margy” — a troll from his past who came back swinging in the YouTube comments.

Together they dive into:

• Cancel culture and defending John Wayne’s legacy in a modern world.
• How Hollywood still boxes people in — whether it’s the “cowboy box” or the “gay box.”
• Imposter syndrome, aging gracefully, and why humor keeps them both sane.
• Their friendship — built on dark humor, authenticity, and laughter in all the wrong places.

It’s part Hollywood history, part therapy session, and part comedy chaos.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, the Christmas season officially begins — and Ben’s not waiting for anyone’s permission.

 AJ’s out of town, the Halloween décor is gone, and Mariah Carey has defrosted, which means it’s tree-trimming time. Between giant ornaments hanging from the ceiling and a three-day decorating marathon, Ben dives into why Christmas joy should never be delayed — and why Thanksgiving can kick rocks (dry turkey, stuffing, and all).

After some holiday chaos — including a performance of “Defying Gravity” on a party bus at 70 mph — Then Ben sits down with Shane, president of Hood County Christmas for Children, to talk about the real magic of the holidays: giving back.

Together, they break down:

• How Hood County Christmas for Children provides gifts, bikes, books, and beds to over 1,600 local kids every year
• What goes into the Angel Tree program and how to “adopt” a child for Christmas
• Why it takes an entire community — from volunteers to donors — to make holiday dreams come true
• How Shane balances family, career, coaching, and charity work
• Why teaching kids gratitude, empathy, and work ethic matters more than ever

Ben also shares his take on performative charity, social-media highlight reels, and why real generosity doesn’t need a photo op.

It’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and Christmas heart — proving that holiday spirit and helping others will always be in season.

🎁 Learn More or Get Involved with Hood County Christmas for Children

 Facebook: Hood County Christmas for Children

Website: https://christmasforchildren.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (913) 738-0556
Mailing Address:
Hood County Christmas for Children
P.O. Box 681
Granbury, TX  76048

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s Halloween — and Ben’s fired up.

After a whirlwind of travel from LA to Cabo (and back), Ben’s back home, zipping around the ranch on his Segway, reminiscing about his past Halloween costumes — from Miley Cyrus to Jesus floating on a cloud. But between the laughs and chaos, this episode takes a sharp and heartfelt turn.

A Facebook post claiming “science proves no one is born gay” sets Ben off on a passionate rant about religion, judgment, and why using faith to justify hate isn’t holy — it’s hypocritical.

He breaks down:

• Why “being gay is a choice” is the dumbest argument ever
• How religion is being used as a shield for cruelty
• His own journey from shame to pride, and how Hannah Montana might’ve been the first clue
• Standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, even when it makes people uncomfortable
• Why “agree to disagree” doesn’t apply to basic human rights
• The power of speaking up for those who can’t
• The freedom that comes with saying “fuck you” to hate — and “I love you” to yourself

It’s honest, unfiltered, and unapologetically Ben — balancing heartfelt storytelling, humor, and truth bombs that land hard.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his friends Bryan and John from Out Loud and Laughing for what can only be described as a pumpkin-spiced fever dream.

It starts innocent — PSLs, Starbucks baristas, and why no one uses proper grammar anymore — but spirals quickly into the Android vs. iPhone debate, porn bans in Texas, Disney adult confessions, and Greg Abbott jokes that might get everyone canceled.

From there, Ben and the boys get deep (and deranged):

• Broken bed frames 
• Why dolphins are the horses of the sea
• John’s sobriety and patience journey
• Bryan’s PTA gossip at his daughter’s school — including a roller-skating principal with a Pilates bod
• Jon's literal arrest in Florida for speeding and how he turned jail time into a main character moment
• A deep dive into Housewives lesbian scandals, fast fashion, and why Cinnabon might now be a lesbian bar

By the time it’s over, the trio has covered astrology, sperm counts, seatbelt tickets, and what happens when you hand a lesbian cop a Home Depot gift card.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined once again by his good friend Gabrielle, and things get deep fast — but not before a Starbucks rant. The blue-haired barista saga continues, complete with foam mishaps, stick-and-poke tattoos, and a debate over why grandmas dye their hair blue.

From there, the conversation shifts from funny to philosophical, as Ben and Gabrielle dive into the idea of fear — how it shapes us, limits us, and how choosing adventure and self-belief can completely transform your life.

They open up about:

• The “blue hair” phenomenon and what it really says about self-expression
• Why good things happen when you’re not an asshole
• Traveling without fear, living spontaneously, and saying yes to adventure
• How fear is the reason most people never leave their hometowns
• The power of supportive parents (and daddy issues, obviously)
• Why success isn’t about speed — it’s about consistency and joy
• The myth of overnight success in Hollywood and what Reese Witherspoon taught Ben
• Social media toxicity, fake filters, and why couples who post too much are doomed
• Codependency, relationships, and being comfortable doing life on your own
• The real secret to success: don’t live in fear, be a good person, and start something

Ben and Gabrielle leave listeners with a healthy dose of truth, laughter, and motivation — reminding everyone that fear only wins if you let it.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben welcomes a very special pair of guests — his cousin-in-law Tara, and her daughter Haley, who instantly steals the show.

Tara shares her family’s powerful and emotional story of raising a child with Down syndrome — from the shock of the diagnosis to the overwhelming joy and laughter Haley brings into their lives every day. She opens up about young motherhood, the early medical scares, the misconceptions around disabilities, and how her family turned fear into faith, humor, and love.

Then Haley takes the mic — and chaos (in the best way) ensues. From family drama, football, and TikTok fame to wrestling gossip and telling people to “kiss my ass,” she proves why everyone falls in love with her the moment they meet her.

📌 In this episode:

• Tara on the moment she found out Haley had Down syndrome
• The miracle story of Haley’s heart healing on its own
• Finding community and strength in raising a child with special needs
• Why “different abilities” is the language of love
• Haley joins the mic to spill family secrets, party stories, and wrestling drama
• Ben and Haley bond over dancing, confidence, and living life unapologetically
• The funniest exit line  (“Kiss my ass!”)

This episode is equal parts laughter, love, and pure light — a reminder that joy, humor, and resilience often come in the most unexpected packages.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is back with a short and savage solo rant. Two companies landed on his official shit list: AT&T and Starbucks — and he’s not holding back.

It all started with a simple iPhone case return that turned into a full-blown customer service nightmare. Between a useless app, a store manager hiding in the back, and a call center that sounded like a rave in the background, Ben lost his mind trying to return a $45 case.

Then Starbucks caught some smoke — because apparently baristas can’t handle the complexity of… pouring cold foam on top of coffee. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew season is sacred, and Ben is done with tan-colored, pre-mixed disasters.

But the chaos didn’t stop there. Ben also breaks down:

• A claustrophobic seatmate who carried six personal fans and called his wife every five minutes
• A barefoot, back-pocket-toe-wiggling vegan Neanderthal on his New York flight
• The exclusive Wicked event in LA that had Ben living his Broadway fantasy
• Housewives sightings at Craig’s (because, of course)
• And the Delta disaster that split him and AJ onto separate oversold flights, leaving AJ downgraded from first class to the back of the plane

It’s corporate chaos, Starbucks shade, and travel trauma — all in one episode.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben fulfills a childhood dream — sitting down with viral video pioneer Liam Kyle Sullivan, the creator of Kelly from the Shoes video that defined early YouTube and inspired a generation of comedians.

They dive into everything from the origin of Kelly to how YouTube fame in the 2000s was completely different from TikTok virality today. Liam shares behind-the-scenes stories about creating Shoes, Muffins, and Text Message Breakup, how Susan Walker was born, and why Shoes almost didn’t happen.

The conversation covers:

• The Jimmy Kimmel suspension, free speech, and how comedy is being policed
• The slow rise of Shoes before “viral” was even a word
• Casting friends, filming in Marshalls, and the $300 store rental that made history
• Why Susan Walker might secretly be everyone’s aunt
• The difference between YouTube’s golden age and today’s TikTok scroll culture
• The comeback: Liam performing Shoes live at drag shows and Pride events in 2024
• His upcoming projects: A Very Kelly Christmas live show and his solo show Wearing Kelly’s Shoes

For Ben, it’s more than nostalgia — he credits Kelly with inspiring him to create his own skits and chase acting in LA.

Follow Liam Kyle Sullivan

• Instagram: @liamksullivan
• YouTube: Liam Kyle Sullivan
• Upcoming live shows: A Very Kelly Christmas and Wearing Kelly’s Shoes

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
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🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
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