Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

The holiday season followed by the start of the new year is often thought to be a time of joy, rest, and new beginnings — so when grief or depression feels inescapable during this time, it's common for people to feel defective or guilty for not feeling how society says we should. Jessica Cabeen, who's experienced this feeling firsthand, has a message for those going through this: "It's okay to not be okay. But it's not okay to not talk to someone about it or not seek help." The author, speaker, and award-winning school principal shares a few mindset changes, gratitude practices, and tools that can be essential when unexpected challenges arise during a season of joy — things she learned while experiencing one of the most incredible yet challenging experiences of her life: adopting her son Isaiah from Ethiopia. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Throughout the year, Benjamin has spoken to some of the most brave, courageous, and ambitious people in the world. Today, he's looking back at a few conversations that left a profound impact on him, and likely on many of you. A special thank you to all of the heroes who joined in 2024 and to all of you who joined Benjamin in his search. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Don't allow circumstances you were born in to dictate the outcome of your life." From the time he was young, Mayor Jermaine Wilson had big ambitions. But the environment he grew up in led him into a life of crime -- one that would land him in juvenile corrections for four years and in prison for three. However, through fatherhood, finding faith, and an uplifting prison fellowship program, Jermaine turned his life around. Jermaine shares how you can help support children and families of incarcerated people this holiday season through the Angel Tree Prison Fellowship program: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/ Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the beginning of July, Dr. Lucy Hone, the award-winning author behind the viral TEDTalk 'The three secrets of resilient people,' discussed what her academic journey studying resilience psychology has taught her, and how losing her twelve-year-old daughter Abi intimately influenced her understanding of how humans grieve, live, and recover. Now, as the seasons change, Dr. Lucy Hone is back to discuss a common obstacle many people face this time of year: the winter blues. She shares her advice on how people can escape from the rut that can come with cold, dark days, how she's continuing to study human response to traumatic events, and her latest research project that delves into how people cope with stressful life events. To take Dr. Hone's survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHFSggvj6qHybYGPz1ZDSm8JzCqQN4ghiETDnxYid6FjNMRA/viewform Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 7th, 2023, Major General Noam Tibon and his wife Gali Mir-Tibon were on the coast of Tel Aviv when they received a text from their son, Amir, informing them that their kibbutz, Nahal Oz, was being attacked by Hamas terrorists. In that moment, General Tibon had to make a decision, would he flee to ensure his safety or fight to save his family? The decision was easy. General Tibon shares how he and his wife's courageous decision to drive into Nahal Oz that day led to many lives being saved, and how he had the strength and bravery to risk his life for not only the people he loved but strangers. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It is the most satisfying feeling to know that you helped somebody for no other reason besides to help them." As a former Green Beret, UFC fighter, and co-founder of Save Our Allies,Tim Kennedy has witnessed adversity in its rawest form. However, he is still able to maintain unbreakable joy. Tim sits down with Benjamin to discuss how he maintains his inner light despite seeing unthinkable tragedy and why he believes giving back to others, prioritizing discipline, and surrounding yourself with people you admire are essential to your healing. He also shares the inspiration behind 'Save Our Allies,' and how they're expanding to better respond to global crises. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 19th marks two years since a gunman unleashed gunfire on the Colorado Springs, Colorado Club Q nightclub, tragically killing five people and injuring nineteen others. However, if it wasn't for U.S. Army Veteran Richard Fierro, the man who put himself directly in harms way to disarm the shooter, the tragedy could've been much worse. Benjamin looks back at his conversation with Richard, as he recounts the moments that unfolded that night and shares why in a choice of fight or flight, there wasn’t any hesitation on what he should do. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Veterans Day, we honor those who dedicated their lives to protect our country at all costs. Derek McGinnis is a prime example. US Navy veteran Derek McGinnis was serving in Iraq when he was severely injured by an IED explosion — losing a leg, suffering a traumatic brain injury, collapsed lung, and other intense shrapnel injuries. When adjusting to his new normal, it wasn't just the constant pain that plagued Derek, but the loss of identity and direction that made recovery insurmountable. However, through the vital support Derek and his family received from Semper Fi & America's Fund, Derek realized though his life was different now, it was still incredibly meaningful. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone following the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars is most likely familiar with the fascinating, fearless work of FOX News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst. Though, what's life like for correspondents like Trey, who risk their lives to shed light on some of the world's most important stories? Trey and Ben discuss the experiences they've both undergone as war correspondents — from sharing the same urge to be in the center of action from a young age, to facing the emotional toll that comes with living in a war zone. They also discuss Trey's book "Black Saturday," which captures Trey's eye-witness account of the tragic October 7th attacks on Israel. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When thinking about events across the world that embody strength and resilience, the New York City Marathon is a prime example. As countless runners join together, carrying unique stories and a shared goal, it's one of the most inspiring events of the year — especially when looking at groups like Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners put together by the New York Road Runners, a non-profit organization setting out to strengthen people and communities through the transformative power of running. Today, Ben sits down with Mitch Strong, a 76-year-old member of Team Inspire who's taking on the NYC Marathon after a 36-year hiatus. Mitch sits down with Ben to discuss his complex relationship with resilience as a Vietnam Air Force Veteran, a cancer survivor, and a long-time runner who's been coaching others to achieve their goals for over 25 years. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After undergoing fourteen months of treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis, Roberta Lombardi was emotionally and physically spent. On top of this, Roberta had to reckon with a paralyzing realization: she was in the top 1% of people in the hospital who could afford everything that came with a cancer diagnosis. Now, living cancer-free, Roberta has dedicated her life to addressing this disparity. Roberta joins Ben to discuss how her non-profit organization, 'Infinite Strength,' can provide emotional and financial support to underserved mothers living with metastatic breast cancer. To donate or learn more about Infinite Strength, visit their website below: https://www.infinitestrength.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"USS Cole is in the Eastern Med right now helping defend Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles. And it's because of my crew of heroes." On October 12, 2000, Kirk Lippold was the Commanding Officer on the USS Cole when it was attacked by al-Qaeda. In an instant, Commander Lippold oversaw saving his men and his rapidly sinking ship. Though 17 sailors tragically lost their lives, he and his crew did achieve a historic feat: saving the USS Cole. Commander Lippold joins Benjamin to discuss the events of that horrific day and to weigh in on the connection between his 2000 attack and the terrorist attacks on 9/11, as well as the current state of U.S. national security. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today marks one year since the October 7th attacks that began the Israel-Hamas war. 365 days later, as the war rages on, Benjamin sits down to reflect on what it's like observing the tragedy of this war after spending years of his life observing it firsthand while reporting in conflict zones. He opens up about the feelings that come with watching friends and colleagues report live from these dangerous war zones, after he nearly lost his life while reporting in Ukraine in March of 2022. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tarris Marie was a wife and mother with 15 years of experience in corporate America, when she noticed her vision becoming slightly distorted. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that ultimately led Tarris to become legally blind. After losing her central vision, leaving her career, and experiencing death in her family — Tarris hit rock bottom. Until she heard a voice telling her, "write a book". Today, Tarris Marie sits down with Benjamin to discuss how this experience ultimately led to her writing her debut novel, Blaque Pearle, despite never having written anything like it before. She also reveals her experience adjusting to life with only her peripheral vision, carving out a new professional pathway, and relying on her faith and family to fuel her resilience. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a Saturday night out with friends in 2019, Mike Lavorel thought he was coming down with a stomach bug when he started feeling sick later that night. By Tuesday evening, Mike was unable to speak and immobile. What began then, was Mike's tumultuous fight to stay alive. Mike and his wife Jennifer Lavorel join Benjamin to discuss how Mike eating a raw oyster led to a nine-month battle with sepsis, a medically induced coma, and ultimately -- the loss of both his lower legs and several fingers. The Lavorels share what it was like for them and their two sons to experience their lives transform in an instant, how Mike was able to come back from a 1% chance of survival, and the crucial role their community in Mike's recovery. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's rare to meet someone whose life hasn't been impacted by addiction in some way, yet conversations surrounding the disease largely remain taboo due to shame and stigma. The First Lady of North Dakota, Kathryn Burgum has made it her mission to change that. First Lady Burgum joins Benjamin to discuss her 20 year battle with alcoholism, and why the shame and fear of being met with disappointment were primary reasons she didn't ask for the help she needed. Now, 22 years sober, she's used her influence to create 'Recovery Reinvented,' a non-profit organization aiming to dismantle the stigma around addictions that keeps so many people suffering in silence. Through educating and forming a community, the First Lady is raising awareness of the fact that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing. She shares crucial advice that can help recovering addicts and those with loved ones grappling with addiction find the hope they need to heal. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While on a mission to visit all 193 countries, Sam Goodwin's journey took a sharp turn when he was abducted by the Syrian army in 2019. For 27 days, Sam was held in solitary confinement — being questioned repetitively by the Syrian regime who threatened to have ISIS behead him if he didn't confess to being a spy. Through faith and his family's unrelenting efforts to get Sam home, he survived. Sam joins Ben to discuss how he remained resilient while in solitary confinement — never knowing when, or if, he would be released or killed. He also shares how his family worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure his release and why he refused to let this experience stop him from visiting all 193 countries, a goal he has now completed. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transition from serving full-time in the military to stepping into civilian life can be challenging for veterans, from adapting to life at home to the societal pressure to have it all together. Fortunately, there are organizations and individuals across the country calling out this stigma and working to ensure veterans can find hope and purpose. President and CEO of America's Warrior Partnership, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jim Lorraine, joins Benjamin to discuss how his non-profit organization goes the extra mile to reach veterans who may be struggling but don't know how to ask for help. He also shares how caring for his wife, Becky, a fellow veteran living with epilepsy and breast cancer, has taught him about additional life-saving organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project — which helps America's heroes navigate the healthcare system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a former NASA astronaut, engineer, and F-14 fighter jet pilot, Scott Kelly's story is out of this world in more ways than one. Between the groundbreaking missions he's been a part of with his identical twin brother, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and spending over 500 days in space, Scott has inevitably learned a thing or two about staying mentally strong, striving for greatness, and remaining curious about the world. Scott joins Benjamin to share his thoughts on what it's like preparing for space exploration, and where he believes the nation currently stands on the desire for both individual and societal progress. He also shares the current work he's doing with Nova Ukraine, a nonprofit organization providing humanitarian aid, education, and resources to the people of Ukraine. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode, Benjamin is answering a few of your questions! From discussing his mental and physical recovery, his thoughts on forgiveness after experiencing the horrific reality of war to what it was like attending the Paris 2024 Olympics last weekend. He also shares how his opinion on resilience, one of the essential themes of the podcast, continues to change and grow as he speaks to more people every week. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices