Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

Former crime reporter Debra Des Vignes has gone beyond the headlines to understand and reform the minds of those behind bars. 

While volunteering inside a prison, Debra discovered the profound impact creative writing had on incarcerated individuals. This inspired her to form the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop, a course that allows participants to process past traumas, express remorse, and develop greater self-awareness. 

She discusses the transformations she has witnessed and explains why she transitioned away from news reporting to focus on the human story behind the crime.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wondered what it takes to face the impossible in a split-second choice?

Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg recounts his experience serving in Afghanistan, where he was forced to make a life-altering decision in a high-stakes moment.

Following the attack, Captain Groberg discusses his long recovery process, addressing his battle with mental health and the journey of finding a new purpose. He explains the immense responsibility he carries as a Medal of Honor recipient, viewing the award not as a personal prize, but as a duty to pay homage to the brothers-in-arms he lost that day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben revisits his conversation with adventurer Darren Edwards and provides an update on Darren's most recent mission to redefine the impossible.

While mountaineering at "World’s End" in North Wales, Darren plummeted 100 feet after the rock face gave way beneath his feet. The impact shattered his spine and severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

Darren discusses how his best friend, Matt, saved his life in a split-second moment and what his recovery process has looked like beyond the initial physical trauma.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin discusses the ongoing government crackdown on protests that
continue across Iran. He describes the lack of freedom experienced by the
Iranian people under the current regime and the great difficulty to speak to anyone in country because of the imposed internet blackout, and the deadly fear of regime retaliation.
Benjamin analyzes the complex geopolitical situation facing the U.S. in dealing with the Iranian regime. He shares his experience traveling within the country and the people's hospitable culture.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"One day you're going to see it will be fine." - Mark Schonwetter

In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, survivor Mark Schonwetter and his daughter Isabella Fiske join Benjamin to shed light on the importance of acceptance, resilience, and faith.

Mark was a young child when the Nazis occupied Poland during World War II. He talks about fleeing his home to the Dębica Ghetto, surviving near starvation, and hiding with his mom and sister.  He describes how his mother’s relentless positivity gave his family hope to survive. 

Years after World War II ended, Mark immigrated to America, where he and his daughters founded the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation, to educate students on the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of religious hatred.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices