From Barely Surviving Birth to Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro: JT Mestdagh's Story
Before the age of 16, JT Mestdagh had undergone over 16 serious surgeries -- with many believing he shouldn't have survived his first years of life. Despite the challenges, JT has been able to take every challenging, bad day, and turned it into one worth living.
JT joins Ben to discuss how living with VACTERL syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects, severe dyslexia, and short-term memory loss has influenced his life, but never stopped him from trying to be the best he can be.
He shares how that determination led him to do things doctors never thought would be possible—from everyday tasks like walking and reading to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and starting the JT Mestdagh Foundation.
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32:10
A Conversation Of Faith And Resilience
On this Easter Monday, Ben revisits his conversation with disaster psychologist and disaster ministry expert Dr. Jamie Aten, on faith and resilience.
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.
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32:40
Surviving The Boston Marathon Bombings
On Monday, April 15th, 2013, while crowds cheered on runners at the 117th Boston Marathon, no one could anticipate the events that would unfold. Two pressure-cooker bombs would detonate in a terrorist attack near the finish line, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others.
Among the injured was Marc Fucarile, who was supporting a friend when the second bomb went off right beside him, leaving him critically injured. Marc joins Ben to share his incredible story of resilience, faith and survival. He sheds light on how our most vulnerable moments are often the ones that make us stronger.
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36:13
Life After Being Wrongfully Incarcerated: Troshawn McCoy's Story
Imagine being accused of a murder you didn’t commit — and spending over 20 years behind bars, knowing the real killer was still free. That was Troshawn McCoy’s reality.
As one of the Marquette Park Four, Troshawn was coerced by Chicago police into falsely confessing to a double murder and robbery. Despite zero physical or forensic evidence, he was sentenced to 55 years in prison. Decades later, newly analyzed fingerprint evidence proved what Troshawn had always known; he was innocent. This discovery ultimately led to all four men being exonerated in 2017.
Troshawn sits down with Ben to discuss what it was like losing two decades of his life behind bars, the moment he found out he may be freed, and how he's now advocating and fighting to reform the criminal justice system.
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29:44
Surviving With Grief: A Marine Corps K9 Handler's Story
When Sergeant Alfred Brenner and his military dog Grief were hit by an IED in Afghanistan, he wasn't focused on the pain his severe injuries were causing - but on the fact nobody was calling out for his partner, Grief.
In the months to follow, Sergeant Brenner underwent many physical challenges while recovering. But nothing would come close to the pain he endured learning to live without Grief -- who wasn't only his K9, but his closest ally and best friend.
Retired Sergeant Brenner joins Ben to open up about what this recovery process was like, how he continues to honor Grief's memory, and why the bond that forms between a soldier and man's best friend is incomparable -- something he explores in depth in his book, Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived The Everyday Battles of War.
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New York Times Best-selling author, FOX News’ Benjamin Hall makes his podcast debut with, Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall.
Each week Benjamin will illuminate stories of community, compassion and the everyday people who embody heroism. From educators leaving an invaluable mark on the lives of their students, veterans supporting one another to local leaders who are filling the gaps in underserved communities. Benjamin, along with his remarkable guests will provide voices to America’s noteworthy yet silent heroes. New episodes available every Monday.
USA