"Resilience is something that is built." - Robert Paylor

Motivational speaker and author of 'Paralyzed to Powerful', Robert Paylor, a former University of California, Berkeley rugby player, was paralyzed from the neck down during the 2017 National Championships. Instantaneously, an unforgettable day quickly became a pivotal moment in his life.

Despite this life-altering injury, Robert has shown incredible resilience and determination throughout his recovery process, breaking barriers that his doctors labeled impossible. He shares the mental strategies he employs to stay positive and the importance of forgiveness. 

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"Life keeps moving, so grab that opportunity now."

As 2026 kicks off, Benjamin is looking forward to the Lunar New Year as we begin the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse. He explains why now is the time to let go of the past and to seize new opportunities.

Benjamin discusses his New Year's resolutions and encourages everyone to make changes that support growth and self-improvement. He explains why the New Year is the best time to dive into new opportunities and to take action.

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“No matter how difficult your life is…you can find your way through.” 

This year on Searching for Heroes, Benjamin connected with people who endured some of life's most difficult moments and yet displayed profound resilience and unshakeable hope. Benjamin also introduced different themes to the podcast, with vulnerable and beautiful conversations on solitude, forgiveness, and rebirth.

After speaking with remarkable individuals and hearing stories from powerful guests, Benjamin revisits four conversations that truly embody the podcast.

Steve Callahan, Scarlett Lewis, Michael Franzese, and Darren Edwards generously shared their exceptional stories and offered insight into navigating some of life's most challenging situations. 

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The Ellen Maguire Foundation's Noel Maguire spends his days working as a pallbearer and nights working the overnight shift as an Upper East Side doorman in Manhattan. While juggling two jobs, Noel spends any free time he has caring for Manhattan's homeless.

Noel discusses the incredible work of The Ellen Maguire Foundation, which he founded to honor his mother who was the inspiration behind his quest to help people experiencing homelessness. He also shares why giving back to this community matters to him and how the foundation has grown since it started. 

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"People want something to believe in."

Vietnam War veteran, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of GoDaddy, Bob Parsons, shares his passion for helping veterans navigate the mental health challenges associated with transitioning to civilian life. 

Despite nearly flunking out of high school, Bob enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War to serve his country. While abroad, he was severely wounded in combat and found that his trauma overtook his life once he returned home.  

Bob discusses his journey to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and how he continues to help veterans do the same.

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Why do some people run towards danger while others avoid it?

Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden was driving to a memorial for the anniversary of his daughter's passing when he witnessed a horrific car crash. In an instant, he jumped into action, using his training as a Navy SEAL combat medic to save an 11-year-old boy's life.

Congressman Van Orden recounts his experience on that pivotal day and why he believes a greater power guided him there. He also discusses the unique path he took to becoming a Navy SEAL.

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While rock climbing in North Wales, Darren Edwards fell nearly 100 feet, paralyzing him from the chest down with a severe spinal cord injury. He credits his best friend’s quick thinking for saving his life on the day of the accident, when, in a split-second decision, his friend jumped after him.

Darren shares his experience recovering from the accident, what it was like to lose a relationship close to him, and how his best friend saved him even after the incident. He also discusses his transition into his next adventure and his plan to set a new world record by completing the most extended sit-ski expedition in polar exploration history to raise money for a cure for Spinal Cord Injuries.

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When the militia group known as the "West Side Boys" held former Royal Irish Regiment soldier Ian Getty captive in the African jungles of Sierra Leone, he didn’t know if he'd make it through the night. Twenty-five years later, Ian visited the site where he was held hostage.

Ian details the terrifying seventeen days in captivity and the moment the Special Air Service (SAS) came to his rescue.  He reflects on the torture he and his team endured, how he found strength in the aftermath, and why returning to the site of his capture was important for him.

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When Shandra Woworuntu was 24 years old, she left her home country of Indonesia in hopes of finding a job and a better life in the United States. Once she arrived in America, she quickly realized the job she had applied for did not exist and she was thrust into the unimaginable.

Shandra joins Benjamin to share her human trafficking survival story and her commitment to protecting and advocating on behalf of survivors. She discusses the advocacy work of her anti-trafficking organization, Mentari and it's mission to heal, restore and empower.

To report a potential human trafficking situation, contact 888-373-7888.

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"Freedom, it's priceless."

Eli Sharabi's life changed forever when he was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. After nearly 500 days in captivity, Eli was freed this past February, and he returned home to the heartbreaking reality that his wife and two daughters had been killed. 

Almost nine months later, Eli shares his experience being held hostage, how he manages his grief, and what his family and friends have done to uplift him through life's darkest moments.  Eli also reflects on his memoir, Hostage, in which he shares his story of heartbreak, survival and strength.

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