Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

"As long as a writer is read, he is alive." - Victoria Amelina 37-year-old author, Victoria Amelina was documenting the pivotal work Ukrainian women were doing in the Russia-Ukraine War when she was tragically killed in a Russian missile attack. Instead of letting her words be lost, her husband, friends, and colleagues came together to ensure her work was shared with the world. With the help of loved ones, Victoria Amelina now lives on through her book, 'Looking at Women Looking at War.' Close friend of Victoria, Ukrainian journalist and cultural manager Tetyana Teren, joins Benjamin to reflect on how she and Victoria had worked together to publish other deceased writers' works, and why it was crucial Victoria's story be finished. She also discusses the heart-wrenching challenge of watching so many of her colleagues and friends fall victim to the war and the driving force that pushes her forward: knowing the work she and fellow Ukrainian journalists are doing is crucial in revealing the realities of the war and preserving Ukrainian history and culture. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a 40-day period where Christians around the world offer a sacrifice to God. Actor, Mark Wahlberg and Benjamin discuss the meaning of the Lenten season in their lives and the beauty in letting go to make room for your faith. Mark also shares how the Hallow app reconnects believers to their faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can faith breed resilience, or vice versa? And how does resilience differ across various communities, cultures, and continents? From battling stage IV colon cancer to surviving Hurricane Katrina, Jamie Aten, Ph.D., has both experienced and witnessed intense suffering. And though this seems like it would have hardened Dr. Aten's outlook on the world, it instead made him curious — ultimately leading him to become a disaster psychologist and ministry expert. Dr. Aten dives into complex questions surrounding faith, tragedy, and resilience — and explains how his experiences and extensive research have allowed him to merge his understanding of the three. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

February 24th marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, beginning a brutal war that continues raging. While we take this day to honor Ukraine, a country that wasn't expected to last a month against Russia and yet continues fighting, we also take it to remember the innocent lives that have been lost, and pay respect to those who continue fighting. One of those people is Ambassador Oksana Markarova, who had only been serving as the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States for about a year when Russia invaded her country — leading to her work, and her face, being instantly projected across the globe. Ambassador Markarova joins Benjamin to discuss what the past three years have been like for her, as one of the key figures in charge of connecting Ukraine and the U.S. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"My niece Roni was awakened with a gun pointed at her face attwo and a half years old...and then around 1:30 p.m., Omri was handcuffed and taken hostage." It's been 499 days since Omri Miran, his wife Lishay, and their two young daughters Roni and Alma woke up to a nightmare on October 7th, 2023 -- when their family was held captive by Hamas militants, and Omri was taken hostage. Since that day, Omri's family has dedicated their lives to advocating for his release. While crucial progress is being made between Israel and Hamas, as they prepare to enter phase two of a hostage deal that will hopefully lead to the release of 33 Israeli hostages, Omri's brother-in-law Moshe Lavi says advocacy and fighting to bring the innocent home must never stop. Moshe details how his family has been working since October 8th to raise awareness and call for Omri's release and why he believes caution is crucial when dealing with a terrorist organization like Hamas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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