Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

A 21-year-old girl looking to become a Chinese interpreter and a former pediatric anesthesiologist may not seem like they'd end up on the same career path. However, after watching their beloved home country be torn apart by war, everything changed for Diana Obzhelian and Mykyta Kryzhanovsky. Diana and Mykyta join Benjamin to discuss how their love for Ukraine led them to the non-profit organization The Halo Trust, where they've dedicated their lives to "demining": clearing landmines and other explosives from former war zones. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I am slowly burning alive, and I have nothing to orient myself to get myself out of this situation. I'm realizing pretty quick that I'm not going to make it out." - Spencer Tejedas Except on that day in May of 2024, Gresham firefighter Spencer Tejedas did end up making it out of the burning building he thought would claim his life — suffering third-degree burns on 45% of his body and beginning down a courageous road to recovery. Spencer and his wife Melea join Benjamin to reflect on their vivid memories of May 30th, 2024, how they were able to remain hopeful even when Spencer's lungs were failing for nearly six weeks, and the ways they and their two children have adjusted to their "new normal" with the support of their community and each other. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"From the minute this happened in 2022, I never once thought of what had been taken. I thought of what I could do to get through it." How was Benjamin able to channel optimism after losing two of his colleagues and nearly losing his own life in Ukraine? Does everybody have the power to access this sort of hope? These are the exact questions Benjamin asked himself while recovering, and what ultimately led him to begin this search for heroes. Benjamin reveals his four keys to eternal optimism. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine meeting a stranger, cutting the small talk, and getting straight to the questions that cultivate connection. That's exactly what documentary journalist, viral TED Talk speaker, and founder of 'Make Big Talk,' Kalina Silverman is doing — and the results she's collected have inspired millions of people across the globe. Kalina joins Benjamin to discuss what led her to create 'Make Big Talk,' an organization aiming to fight loneliness and disconnection with community, curiosity, and empathy. She explains how one YouTube video revolving around asking strangers 'what do you want to do before you die?' has turned into a movement, and how she's now connecting with and raising funds for California wildfire victims through Make Big Talk. To Learn More: https://www.makebigtalk.com/ Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Firefighters are seen as some of the strongest, most selfless people in society — willingly risking their lives and enduring traumatic events to save others. With their courage and bravery on constant display, it becomes easy to assume these first responders are invincible. While they are heroes, they need our support just as much as we need theirs. Former firefighter paramedic and author of 'Overcoming Tuesday: A First Responder's Tale of Healing and Resiliency,' Jim Burneka opens up about the physical and mental toll that comes after years of fighting fires, and why his experience and own mental health journey led him to start Firefighter Cancer Consultants, an organization focusing on firefighter wellness and cancer awareness. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

After recovering from the severe injuries he sustained while covering Russia's invasion of Ukraine, FOX News Senior Correspondent Benjamin Hall set out on a mission to discover everyday heroes living amongst us, people who showcase resilience and optimism in a world of immense triumphs but also heartbreak. One year later Benjamin has met countless heroes, and he will continue to highlight stories of strength, honor, and hope. In this anniversary episode, Benjamin looks back at a few heroic stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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