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She's Ben Kidnapped While Pregnant (ft. Jen Kirk)12 May 202600:56:34

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with his friend Jen Kirk for an emotional and eye-opening Mother’s Day episode unlike any other.

At just 16 years old, Jen became pregnant and made the heartbreaking decision to place her son up for adoption. But this isn’t just a story about adoption — it’s a story about survival, sacrifice, family, trauma, and what motherhood can really look like.  

Jen opens up about navigating an open adoption in the late 1980s, choosing her son’s adoptive parents herself, and the emotional reality of watching him grow up from a distance through letters and photographs.  

The conversation takes a shocking turn when Jen reveals that during her pregnancy, she was allegedly hidden away in a remote cabin after her stepmother attempted to take the baby for herself — leading to a terrifying situation involving private investigators, police, and a dramatic rescue coordinated by her mother.  

Ben and Jen also discuss:

  • the emotional side of adoption that nobody talks about
  • abortion, choice, and societal judgment
  • reconnecting with her son 25 years later
  • blended families and healing
  • the lifelong emotional impact of adoption
  • why there’s little support for birth mothers
  • and how everything eventually came full circle

Now, nearly 40 years later, Jen has a close relationship with her biological son, his children, and his adoptive family — proving that families can take many different forms.  

This episode is emotional, shocking, heartbreaking, healing, and a powerful reminder that motherhood is never one-size-fits-all.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

The Teacher Who Believed in Ben (ft. Brenda Ramin)05 May 202600:49:53

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with someone who changed his life — his ninth grade science teacher, Brenda Ramin.

From getting kicked out of Catholic school to convincing a teacher to secretly take him to California, this episode is full of wild stories, chaos, and the kind of support that can change everything.

Ben and Brenda reflect on their 20+ year relationship, the infamous Hollywood trip that changed everything, and what it was like being “that kid” in high school who didn’t quite fit the mold.

They dive into sneaking into gated communities, getting chickenpox during a headshot trip, pushing back on authority, and how one teacher saw something in Ben that others didn’t.

This episode is hilarious, nostalgic, and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you to completely change your path.

In this episode:

  • Getting kicked out of Catholic school and transitioning to public school  
  • The teacher who actually understood Ben  
  • The secret California trip that could’ve gotten her fired  
  • Sneaking into a gated Malibu neighborhood to find The OC house  
  • Getting chickenpox in LA during headshot week  
  • High school rebellion, authority issues, and being “that kid”  
  • Doing the Single Ladies dance at prom  
  • Why one supportive teacher can change everything  

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

I've Ben Flying at 30,000' (ft. Joe The Pilot)03 Mar 202600:57:55

The world feels like it’s on fire — and Ben is boarding a flight anyway.

On this episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by friend Joe, a commercial airline pilot flying one of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, for a behind-the-scenes deep dive into aviation, fear of flying, turbulence, airplane safety, and what really happens in the cockpit.

They break down:

• Do you actually need airplane mode?
 • Can a plane fly on one engine?
 • What happens during turbulence?
 • Do pilots sleep on long-haul flights?
 • How safe is commercial air travel really?
 • What happens if landing gear doesn’t deploy?

Joe shares real stories from 20+ years of flying — including engine failures, bird strikes, auto-land landings in low visibility, and why flying is still statistically safer than driving.

Then in this week’s Breaking Point, Ben unloads on airport behavior — TSA confusion, zone boarding chaos, adults wearing pajamas, barefoot passengers, and why flying etiquette has completely collapsed.

AJ joins at the end to talk turbulence anxiety, travel rituals, and their upcoming trips (including AJ singing the national anthem during wartime).

If you’ve ever feared turbulence, questioned airplane safety, or lost your mind watching someone in 37B block the aisle — this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

It’s Ben the 2026 Olympics (ft. Cassandra)24 Feb 202600:46:30

Ben has done it again — he accidentally started internet drama.

After posting a short clip about barrel racing culture being “a little clicky,” Ben somehow triggered 150,000+ views, thousands of comments, and a wave of angry Facebook users — all because he said, “Everyone needs to calm down. You’re not Beyoncé.”

In this episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben reads the wildest hate comments, responds to online trolls, and breaks down how quickly social media outrage spirals. From grammar wars to legal threats from “Debbie from Facebook,” this is peak internet chaos.

Then the energy shifts to a chaotic recap of the 2026 Winter Olympics with returning guest Cassandra. They debate figure skating meltdowns, Olympic pressure, Lindsey Vonn’s injury, bobsled logic, and whether they could realistically train for the next Games.

AJ joins at the end to talk about engagement anniversaries, relationship awareness, and why spatial awareness in a warm-up pen might actually be a life skill.

If you love internet drama, Olympics commentary, comedy podcasts, or watching people argue in Facebook comment sections — this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Ben My Valentine? (ft. Lisa Curry)17 Feb 202600:52:30

Valentine’s Day is over — and Ben has thoughts.

On this episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by stand-up comedian Lisa Curry for a brutally funny breakdown of modern relationships, social media culture, and why Valentine’s Day might be the most performative holiday of the year.

Ben and Lisa dive into dating pressure, Galentine’s, joint Facebook accounts, and the theory that the more couples post about their relationship online, the more unstable it actually is. Ben shares the unhinged story of catching an ex swiping on Tinder in first class on a Valentine’s trip he paid for — yes, really.

The conversation spirals into sports culture, NFL fandom, and whether professional sports might secretly be the most homoerotic institution in America. From men in tight pants tackling each other to emotional meltdowns over football losses, nothing is safe.

In this week’s Breaking Point, Ben goes off on tandem bikes, while Lisa calls out dog owners who walk their pets while glued to their phones.

AJ joins at the end for a post-Valentine’s relationship check-in, where they talk about social media expectations, cheap chocolates, and why small acts of love matter more than Hallmark holidays.

If you’ve ever questioned Valentine’s Day, modern dating, social media relationships, or the emotional intensity of NFL fans, this comedy podcast episode is for you.

Follow Lisa Curry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olympianlisacurry
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olympianlisacurry

🎤 Watch Lisa Curry’s stand-up special Emotionally Edging here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipzHWRTbQc

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Ben Having Breast Reductions (ft. Sherri Harris) 10 Feb 202600:52:04

Ben is fresh off a trip to Mexico and immediately reminded why Facebook might be ruining his life. In this episode, Ben spirals (just a little) over online political fights, racism disguised as “memes,” performative outrage, and why arguing on social media never actually changes anyone’s mind.

Fan-favorite guest Sherri Harris returns for Season 2 and brings one of the wildest stories yet — a terrifying heart scare that leads to an ER visit, an ambulance ride, a wildly incorrect diagnosis, and a crash course in America’s broken healthcare system… all while uninsured.

The episode also dives into body image, beauty standards, plastic surgery honesty, nipple nightmares, pain pills, bad restaurant behavior, dirty bar glasses, and why Ben officially hits his Breaking Point with customer service everywhere.

It’s funny, unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and deeply relatable — because sometimes it really has Ben A Week.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

I've Ben Rejected03 Feb 202600:40:17

This week, Ben goes solo and gets real about something we all deal with but rarely talk about: rejection.

From career disappointments and missed opportunities to being ghosted, iced out, or simply left on read, rejection shows up in ways both loud and subtle. Ben opens up about a recent week that hit harder than expected, how setting high expectations can backfire, and why rejection hurts even when you think you’re “used to it.”

Ben reflects on early experiences of rejection, from growing up feeling different to navigating acting, friendships, relationships, and creative careers where “no” often comes without explanation. He shares why ignoring people can be more painful than hearing no, how social media fuels comparison, and why rejection often feels personal even when it isn’t.

This episode is part rant, part therapy session, and part reminder that rejection doesn’t mean failure — it often means redirection. Ben talks about learning when to sit in the feeling, when to let it go, and how not to let other people’s limitations talk you out of your dreams.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, or discouraged lately, this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

We've Ben Frozen Solid in Texas27 Jan 202600:44:29

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben should really be saying It’s Ben A Weekend.

After an unexpected Arctic blast hits Texas, Ben opens the episode iced in, frustrated, and fully spiraling as ranch life meets extreme weather. From frozen pools and broken automation systems to a three-foot koi fish recovering in the bathtub, nothing about this weekend goes according to plan.

Ben breaks down:

  • Why Texas is absolutely not built for Arctic weather
  • Frozen pools, non-functioning Jandy systems, and panic at four degrees
  • A massive imported koi fish going belly-up and being moved into the bathtub
  • Why drastic temperature swings stress koi more than cold water
  • Ranch life realities no one prepares you for
  • Why homeownership might actually be a scam
  • The $17,000 boat engine mistake that still haunts him

Because the roads are iced over and no one can leave, Ben is joined by the only guest available — his partner AJ Sarcione.

Together, they dive into:

  • Being snowed in and forced to slow down
  • Texas fashion during snowstorms and finally wearing winter clothes
  • Preparing animals for extreme cold and running generators
  • Why generators, space heaters, and extension cords are non-negotiable
  • Their first brutal Texas freeze in 2021 and being wildly unprepared
  • Scooping pool water to flush toilets during a nine-day outage

The episode then shifts into a deeper conversation about humanity, outrage culture, and the pressure to perform beliefs online.

Ben and AJ talk about:

  • Why no one deserves violence — regardless of politics
  • The dangers of social media turning everything into a war
  • Whether creators owe public statements on every issue
  • Having real conversations instead of performative posting
  • Meeting people where they are instead of demanding alignment
  • Why empathy and dialogue matter more than choosing sides

They wrap the episode with a reminder to stay warm, be kind, and remember that real conversations don’t happen in comment sections.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

[Throwback Thursday] Ben in the Bush with Urzila Carlson22 Jan 202601:16:35

Throwback Thursday.

With Season 2 officially underway and new listeners joining, I wanted to resurface one of my favorite conversations from Season 1.

This episode with comedian Urzila Carlson is funny, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation that defines It’s Ben A Week. If you’re new here, this is a great place to start.

___________________________________________

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Urzila Carlson — global comedy powerhouse, Taskmaster trauma survivor, and certified expert in both sarcasm and swearing.

Originally from South Africa, now based in New Zealand, Urzila has taken the comedy world by storm with her Netflix specials, unfiltered stand-up, and razor-sharp takes on everything from LGBTQIA+ to not ending up porn. She’s a scene stealer in her new movie Kinda Pregnant, but first — we need Ben to get the name right! 

The episode opens with a full breakdown of:

  • Ben’s latest FedEx meltdown while trying to ship coral for his reef tank
  • The broken customer service loop that left him yelling at a robot

Then Urzila joins and they dive into:

  • Her journey from South Africa to Texas to Auckland
  • Swearing in comedy, why the word “cunt” shouldn’t offend you
  • The time she broke her collarbone on Taskmaster 
  • Why airports are built to enrage you (and why pre-boarding should be illegal)
  • What it's like shooting Kinda Pregnant with Amy Schumer
  • Why lesbians might have it easier than gay men in public
  • How comedy handles swearing, slurs, and cancel culture — and what it gets wrong
  • Parenting while touring, and being confused for Ursula the Sea Witch

🔗 Follow Urzila Carlson:
Website: www.urzilacarlson.com
TikTok: @urzilacarlson
Instagram: @urzilacarlson
Netflix Special: Overqualified Loser on Netflix
New Movie: Kinda Pregnant 

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by actor, photographer, and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

This Has Ben a Lifetime Friendship (ft. Maria Hynan)20 Jan 202600:54:32

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of the longest friendships of his life — his childhood neighbor and lifelong friend, Maria Hynan. From growing up together on a lake in Wisconsin to navigating rebellion, mistakes, growth, and parenthood, this episode is a full-circle conversation about where we come from and who we become.

Ben and Maria reminisce about meeting at five years old, fighting like siblings, rearranging Ben’s room every summer, Taekwondo classes, stolen fish from a pet store, and the chaos of growing up together. But the conversation quickly deepens as Maria opens up about her teenage years, strict parenting, rebellion, addiction, a life-changing pregnancy at 18, and how becoming a mother ultimately saved her life.

Together, they talk honestly about breaking generational cycles, redefining parenting, and what it means to give your children a childhood they don’t have to recover from.

Topics include:

  • Growing up on a lake and spending every summer together
  • Childhood fights, Taekwondo classes, and the infamous pet store fish incident
  • Strict parenting, rebellion, and acting out as a teenager
  • Maria’s pregnancy at 18 and the moment everything changed
  • Quitting drugs and cigarettes cold turkey for her unborn child
  • Becoming a young mother and finding purpose through responsibility
  • Breaking cycles of emotional and psychological abuse
  • Raising children with honesty, openness, and compassion
  • Letting kids learn without repeating the same trauma
  • Ben reflecting on staying true to his passions from childhood into adulthood
  • Saying “why not me?” and building the life you want out loud

The episode closes with the return of Breaking Point, where Ben spirals over rumors of a possible Hannah Montana 20th anniversary concert and Maria shares her frustration with people lacking basic self-awareness — especially when it comes to body odor.

This episode is funny, emotional, raw, and deeply nostalgic — a reminder that some friendships don’t fade, they evolve.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

What Happens After It’s All Ben Lost (ft. Greg Young)13 Jan 202600:46:04

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with his longtime friend Greg for one of the most personal and grounded conversations yet. Greg opens up about welcoming a new baby, surviving the devastating Palisades fires, and what it’s really like when your home is suddenly at risk — or gone — overnight. From evacuating through smoke-filled streets to navigating insurance chaos, grief, and gratitude at the same time, this episode blends humor, heartbreak, and honesty in a way only It’s Ben A Week can.

The conversation also takes its usual chaotic turn — covering dad jokes, fitness burnout, wellness trackers, goat lore, and a truly infuriating scam that sent Ben straight to his breaking point. Heavy topics, real laughs, and the reminder that sometimes all you can do is get through the week.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Greg welcoming his second child and adjusting to life with two kids
  • Living through the Palisades fires and evacuating under extreme conditions
  • What it’s like when your house survives — but everything inside doesn’t
  • The emotional math of what you grab when you have minutes to leave
  • Insurance nightmares, under-insurance, and financial fallout after disaster
  • Community support, survivor’s guilt, and rebuilding after trauma
  • Ben’s childhood home burning down and shared disaster experiences
  • Fitness culture burnout, trainers from hell, and wellness tracking fatigue
  • Ben getting scammed out of $1,000 and hitting peak rage with Wells Fargo
  • Breaking Point: deferred mortgages, Zelle scams, and letting it all go
  • Ben There, Done That with AJ returns for 2026

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Season 2 Trailer – It’s Ben A Week08 Jan 202600:00:57

Season 2 of It’s Ben A Week is here.

Hosted by barrel racer and photographer Ben McDonnell, It’s Ben A Week is a weekly comedy and culture podcast featuring candid conversations, unfiltered storytelling, and honest takes on relationships, identity, career chaos, and whatever the hell just happened this week.

Season 2 launches with a refreshed look, elevated production, and a sharper creative focus — blending solo episodes with guest conversations from comedy, television, and pop culture.

New episodes every week. Welcome to Season 2.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Customer Service Has Ben a Nightmare28 Apr 202600:23:24

Some weeks are great… and some weeks just push you to your breaking point.

On this solo episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben is back with a full-on rant — and honestly, it’s been building. Between chaotic customer service, confusing systems that make no sense, and interactions that leave you questioning humanity, this week had Ben asking: what is wrong with people?

From a dentist appointment that somehow turned into a full-blown front desk disaster, to a restaurant experience that defies all logic, to the ongoing saga of Starbucks mobile orders that apparently no one understands — nothing is safe this week.

Ben dives into:

  • Showing up early to a 9 AM dentist appointment… that magically became 10 AM
  • Why front desk customer service can make or break a business
  • The chaos of waiting, being ignored, and being told you’re wrong (when you’re not)
  • Whether dentists are doing way too many X-rays
  • A restaurant experience that makes zero sense from start to finish
  • Being rushed to order… and then completely ignored
  • The logic behind ordering a tall drink (and not getting more liquid?)
  • Why Starbucks mobile orders continue to be a universal struggle
  • Internet trolls, random hate comments, and why people go out of their way to be negative
  • Eating shit on a Segway and the aftermath no one talks about
  • Getting ready to film a new movie and the chaos leading up to it

This episode is chaotic, relatable, unfiltered, and exactly what you need if you’ve ever dealt with frustrating people and thought: there’s no way this is real.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Ben Is Back (ft. AJ)06 Jan 202600:49:54

Season Two is officially here.

On the first episode of Season 2 of It’s Ben A Week, Ben returns after a three-week break feeling recharged, reset, and fully ready to level things up. With a brand-new studio, upgraded set, new artwork, and a fresh intro, Ben reflects on the wild first year of podcasting and what’s next for the show.

Ben opens the episode talking about:

  • Taking a much-needed break and realizing how strange it felt not recording
  • Writing notes in his phone when things happened and not having the podcast outlet
  • The brand-new studio, elevated vibe, and “sexier” Season 2 look
  • Hitting the Top 10% of video podcasts on Spotify last season
  • Why Season 2 is about refinement, confidence, and clarity

Ben then recaps an unforgettable holiday season, including:

  • Attending Kathy Hilton’s iconic Christmas party in Beverly Hills
  • Paparazzi outside the house and champagne vending machines
  • Paris Hilton DJing in her childhood home
  • Walking away with an unreasonable number of Labubus
  • Why it felt surreal for a Simple Life superfan

After reflecting on the energy shift from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse, Ben invites listeners to lean into change, momentum, and going after what they want in 2026.

Then, Ben is joined by his partner and frequent collaborator AJ Sarcione to officially kick off Season 2.

Together, they dive into:

  • A chaotic LA weekend that included charity galas and exclusive parties
  • Traveling over the holidays and unexpectedly getting COVID
  • Cancelled New Year’s plans and being stuck at home by 10 p.m.
  • Launching a brand-new segment: Breaking Point
  • Ben’s rant about guests bringing alcohol to parties — then taking it home
  • AI videos becoming indistinguishable from reality
  • Jeff the Possum’s viral rise to over 4.5 million views
  • Christmas cards, QR codes, cat food inserts, and postal chaos
  • Merch, shipping costs, and why “free shipping” is a psychological scam
  • A photography client dispute that spiraled into online harassment
  • Setting boundaries in business and choosing clients intentionally
  • Letting go of chaos from 2025 and moving forward with clarity

The episode closes with a reflection on boundaries, control, growth, and protecting your energy — setting the tone for what Season 2 of It’s Ben A Week is all about.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

[BONUS] Ben Getting Ready for 2026 (ft. Eleven)30 Dec 202500:11:11

This week on a special Bonus Episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben couldn’t bring himself to leave a single Tuesday empty — so he returns with friend, spiritual guide, and fan favorite Eleven for a short but powerful New Year energy reading and manifestation session.

Together, Ben and Eleven reflect on the end of 2025, the emotional weight of the year, and why most New Year’s resolutions set people up to fail. Instead, they offer a softer, more realistic approach to change — one rooted in awareness, compassion, and patience.

Eleven breaks down:

  • Why 2025 was the Year of the Wood Snake and how it forced us to shed old identities
  • What “peeling back the underbelly” means for relationships, careers, friendships & self-worth
  • How 2026 — the Year of the Fire Horse — will bring speed, clarity, creativity, and illumination
  • Why creators, entrepreneurs & rebels will thrive
  • Why illusions will dissolve quickly next year
  • How to prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically

Ben shares his take on resolutions:

  • Why extreme goals fail
  • Why small adjustments work
  • Why you’re allowed to “mess up” in January — because the true energetic new year begins in February

Then Eleven pulls cards for the collective (shaman, hunter, apocalypse), unfolding themes of intuition, clarity, sovereignty, transformation, and new beginnings.

This mini-episode is grounding, mystical, funny, honest, and the perfect companion as you step into 2026 with intention — and compassion.


🔗 A NOTE FROM ELEVEN

As you step across the threshold into a new year, this reading may have stirred something familiar—a truth rising from the last of the Snake’s shedding, or the first spark of the Fire Horse calling you forward. For those who feel that pull, Eleven extends an invitation to deepen the journey.

She is opening space for 1:1 sessions designed to support anyone ready to explore their personal path, clarify what they’re carrying into 2026, and anchor the intentions that want to take form in the year ahead.

Listeners can book a session here: https://www.bringsoul.life/portal/Hom

A new year offers a new map. Eleven is here to help you read it.


🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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[BONUS] It’s Ben a Year — The Highlights23 Dec 202500:30:48

This week on It’s Ben A Week, we’re celebrating 50 episodes, one full year, and the end of Season One with a special highlight reel. Whether you’ve listened since the beginning or joined somewhere along the way, this episode captures the wild, emotional, hilarious, chaotic, meaningful, and unforgettable moments that defined 2025.

From crying with mothers who have lost children…
 to screaming about Starbucks foam…
 to talking Bravo, Beyoncé, grief, scandal, relationships, sex toys, ranch life, Christmas trees, and Jeff the Possum…
 to interviewing directors, comedians, producers, influencers, and your own family…
 this year has been a rollercoaster — and this episode is the ultimate montage of it all.

Enjoy a curated collection of the moments listeners replayed the most:

  • The unhinged rants
  • The heartfelt breakthroughs
  • The shocking confessions
  • The funniest disasters
  • The guests who inspired us
  • The stories that changed you
  • And the episodes that made It’s Ben A Week what it is today

Ben also pops in throughout to reflect on:

  • What he learned this year
  • What surprised him
  • The moments he’s most proud of
  • And the unexpected ways this podcast has shaped his life

It's the perfect ending to a year  — especially for Ben.

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It’s Ben a Year — The Season One Finale (ft. AJ)16 Dec 202500:41:19

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben wraps up his very first year of podcasting with a deeply personal and celebratory Season One Finale. After 50 straight weeks — zero missed Tuesdays — Ben sits down with the one person who started this journey with him: AJ. With thousands of listeners tuning in from across the world, Ben reflects on how the podcast began, how much it’s grown, and how much work went into creating something from scratch with no team, no production company, and no built-in audience.

Ben opens the episode with a candid look back at:

  • How he went from “not a podcast person” to launching his own show
  • Listening to podcasts during 4 a.m. drives
  • Believing he could do it better than the people he was listening to
  • Buying equipment, teaching himself editing, and learning everything the hard way
  • All the technical chaos: broken cameras, audio drift, video not syncing
  • Why seeing thousands of listeners globally still blows his mind
  • How viewer DMs, comments, and Spotify Wrapped screenshots kept him going

AJ joins and the two dive into:

  • AJ’s wild travel schedule and why he’s been MIA
  • Their “helper” who worked one day and disappeared forever
  • The holiday party of the year (Disney characters, uplighting, themed cocktails)
  • Ben eating french fries in the bathtub the morning after
  • How DoorDash has become Ben’s emotional support system
  • Their year in concerts — Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, Janet Jackson, Rufus du Sol, Katy Perry, Brandy & Monica

Then the episode becomes a full-circle reflection on Season One:

  • Ben revisits Episode 1 to hear how far he’s come
  • Learning to talk less, listen more, and actually interview
  • Why Caroline Rhea’s advice changed everything
  • His biggest interviewing challenges — guests who won’t talk vs. guests who won’t stop
  • His proudest guest moments: Margaret Josephs, Ursula Carlson, Rawson Marshall Thurber, Weston Brown, Blaine, Sherri, Victoria, Liam “Shoes”
  • The episodes that unexpectedly became emotional pillars (Mother’s Day, Weston, Blaine)
  • What this podcast has done for other people — not just Ben
  • Why he’s grateful this show didn’t take off “too fast”

The finale ends with a heartfelt conversation about Season Two:

  • Ben taking two weeks off to reset, reimagine, and rebuild the set
  • Debating new formats, episode lengths, and weekly vs. biweekly releases
  • AJ urging him to meditate, poll listeners, and get closer to who Ben really is
  • The possibility of new structure: guests, cultural commentary, games, call-ins
  • Ben stepping into next year with confidence, clarity, and momentum

It’s emotional, honest, funny, chaotic, nostalgic, and full-circle — the perfect ending to an unbelievable first season.

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Ben Facing the Holidays After Loss (ft. Blain)09 Dec 202500:41:56

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben opens the episode by recapping the unbelievable viral rise of Jeff the Possum, whose video has now hit nearly 3 million views across TikTok and Instagram. Ben shares the wild influx of new followers, the hate comments from people wanting “more Jeff, less podcast,” and the unexpected chaos of going viral over a porch possum instead of the content he actually produces.

But quickly, the episode shifts into something much deeper.
 Ben welcomes one of his close friends, Blaine, for a vulnerable and emotional conversation about navigating the holidays after unimaginable loss.

Just five months ago, Blaine’s husband Danny — a beloved member of Ben and AJ’s friend group — passed away from spindle cell liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Blaine opens up about:

  • The first symptoms and misdiagnoses
  • The roller coaster from false hope to final goodbye
  • What it was like caring for Danny through hospital visits
  • The moment Danny cried in the Paris catacombs, not knowing his tumor had already begun
  • The shock of how quickly everything changed
  • The grief that comes in waves — especially during the holidays

Ben and Blaine share stories of Danny at his best:
 Trips, parties, speeches on boats, Coachella memories, Cristal bottles, face masks, and the way Danny balanced out all of the “difficult gays” in the friend group.

Together they explore:

  • How grief rewires your entire world
  • Why holidays feel heavier after loss
  • The loneliness of going to bed without your person
  • Trying to move forward without feeling like you’re leaving someone behind
  • How to support someone grieving — and what not to do
  • The guilt, the “firsts,” and the pressure to pretend you’re okay
  • The importance of talking about the person you lost
  • Reframing the holidays and building a “corrective experience”

Blaine also shares unexpectedly touching and humorous moments — like accidentally calling Danny’s mom from Danny’s number, or the headstone being placed just days before recording.

This episode is raw, heartfelt, honest, and full of love.
 It’s for anyone struggling during the holiday season, anyone going through grief, or anyone who has ever had to rebuild their life after losing a partner.

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This Week Has Ben Sex, Scams, and Secret Santa (ft. Joy)02 Dec 202501:00:28

⚠️ Warning: this episode is X rated and NSFW

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his friend — Joy — for the dirtiest, wildest, and most X-rated episode in the history of the show. And before they even get to the sex talk, Ben has a Thanksgiving meltdown to unload.

The episode opens with Ben’s Thanksgiving Eve nightmare:
 A scammer stole $1,000 from him — and did it so convincingly that even Joy admitted she would’ve fallen for it. Ben walks Joy step-by-step through the scam, including:

  • How the scammer spoofed Order number
  • How they knew his name, order number, voicemail, tracking, and total
  • How they walked him through fake Zelle “refund codes”
  • Why Wells Fargo is still investigating
  • And how the scammer called him again to try to steal his home address

Then the episode shifts into the Naughty Secret Santa the two are preparing for — including:

  • Joy’s late sexual awakening
  • Why she never talked about sex growing up
  • How shame, religion, family, and insecurity shaped her early adulthood
  • Porn, OnlyFans, and the difference between fantasy and real intimacy
  • Why communication and consent matter more than anything
  • The danger of unsafe hookups and saying “no”
  • Ben’s near-traumatic HIV scare in college
  • The reality of dating apps, scams, and safety for women

Ben and Joy talk openly, honestly, and hilariously about everything most people are scared to admit — proving that talking about sex doesn’t have to be taboo, shameful, or secret.

It’s the most unfiltered, eyebrow-lifting, educationally chaotic episode yet.

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He’s Ben Abused, Abandoned, and He Survived (ft. Weston Brown)18 Nov 202500:58:31

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Weston Brown, a Texas native whose shocking and emotional story has captured national attention.

Weston grew up in a hyper-religious, politically extreme household just outside Dallas — homeschooled, isolated, and forbidden from music, movies, doctors, or anything that didn’t fit a narrow version of “God’s plan.” When he came out as gay, he was fired from his church job, cut off from his family, and told he could never come home.

Years later, Weston discovered that his mother — now living in Granbury — had become a political activist trying to ban books with LGBTQ+ characters. So he returned to Texas, took the podium at a school-board meeting, and made headlines across the country with his brave, heartfelt testimony. That moment inspired a documentary and his upcoming memoir.

Ben and Weston dive into:

  • Growing up under fundamentalist evangelical control
  • How fear, isolation, and “purity culture” damage kids
  • The shocking “poop brownie” story that went viral in Granbury
  • Weston’s mother’s campaign to ban books — and her public defeat
  • The reality of homeschooling laws in Texas and children’s rights
  • Healing through therapy, marriage, and self-acceptance
  • How religion is weaponized against LGBTQ+ people
  • Finding purpose in advocacy and the power of representation

It’s an episode filled with courage, catharsis, and hope — proof that even in the most closed-minded places, truth and love will always find a way through.

 Follow Weston Brown

Instagram: @wstn.brwn
Film: https://thelibrariansfilm.com/
Book: https://bannedthebook.com/ 
 


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Ben Best Friends with John Wayne’s Granddaughter (ft. Laura Munoz-Bottini)11 Nov 202500:51:25

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his best friends — actress and producer Laura Munoz-Bottini, who just happens to be the granddaughter of The Duke himself, John Wayne.

The episode opens with martinis, cinnamon sticks, and chaos as Ben and Laura reminisce about their first acting class together in 2015, where Darrell the acting coach famously told Ben to “go write a letter in the closet and fight for Little Ben.” (Yes — in the closet.)

From there, the conversation flows from laughter to legacy as Laura opens up about:

  • Growing up as John Wayne’s granddaughter and calling him simply “Granddaddy.”
  • Visiting his house, watching movies in his private theater, and the iconic treadmill story.
  • How her parents taught her humility — to build her own name before ever mentioning his.
  • The power of hard work and why her grandfather’s real legacy is about integrity, not fame.
  • Stories from the John Wayne Museum in Fort Worth, including the custom station wagon built to fit his cowboy hat.
  • A touching story of a man who wrote to John Wayne as a kid and was inspired decades later to open a film studio — a full-circle moment that connects generations of dreamers.

The episode takes a hilariously unhinged turn when Laura recounts a career pitch gone wrong that ends with poop in a Tesla, while Ben shares his latest run-in with “Humpty Dumpty Margy” — a troll from his past who came back swinging in the YouTube comments.

Together they dive into:

  • Cancel culture and defending John Wayne’s legacy in a modern world.
  • How Hollywood still boxes people in — whether it’s the “cowboy box” or the “gay box.”
  • Imposter syndrome, aging gracefully, and why humor keeps them both sane.
  • Their friendship — built on dark humor, authenticity, and laughter in all the wrong places.

It’s part Hollywood history, part therapy session, and part comedy chaos.

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Ben Making Spirits Bright (ft. Shane)04 Nov 202500:35:37

This week on It’s Ben A Week, the Christmas season officially begins — and Ben’s not waiting for anyone’s permission.

 AJ’s out of town, the Halloween décor is gone, and Mariah Carey has defrosted, which means it’s tree-trimming time. Between giant ornaments hanging from the ceiling and a three-day decorating marathon, Ben dives into why Christmas joy should never be delayed — and why Thanksgiving can kick rocks (dry turkey, stuffing, and all).

After some holiday chaos — including a performance of “Defying Gravity” on a party bus at 70 mph — Then Ben sits down with Shane, president of Hood County Christmas for Children, to talk about the real magic of the holidays: giving back.

Together, they break down:

  • How Hood County Christmas for Children provides gifts, bikes, books, and beds to over 1,600 local kids every year
  • What goes into the Angel Tree program and how to “adopt” a child for Christmas
  • Why it takes an entire community — from volunteers to donors — to make holiday dreams come true
  • How Shane balances family, career, coaching, and charity work
  • Why teaching kids gratitude, empathy, and work ethic matters more than ever

Ben also shares his take on performative charity, social-media highlight reels, and why real generosity doesn’t need a photo op.

It’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and Christmas heart — proving that holiday spirit and helping others will always be in season.

🎁 Learn More or Get Involved with Hood County Christmas for Children


 Facebook: Hood County Christmas for Children

Website: https://christmasforchildren.org/

Email: hoodcountychristmasforchildren@gmail.com

Phone: (913) 738-0556
Mailing Address:
Hood County Christmas for Children
P.O. Box 681
Granbury, TX  76048

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Ben Standing Up, Not Backing Down (Happy Halloween)28 Oct 202500:24:06

This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s Halloween — and Ben’s fired up.

After a whirlwind of travel from LA to Cabo (and back), Ben’s back home, zipping around the ranch on his Segway, reminiscing about his past Halloween costumes — from Miley Cyrus to Jesus floating on a cloud. But between the laughs and chaos, this episode takes a sharp and heartfelt turn.

A Facebook post claiming “science proves no one is born gay” sets Ben off on a passionate rant about religion, judgment, and why using faith to justify hate isn’t holy — it’s hypocritical.

He breaks down:

  • Why “being gay is a choice” is the dumbest argument ever
  • How religion is being used as a shield for cruelty
  • His own journey from shame to pride, and how Hannah Montana might’ve been the first clue
  • Standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, even when it makes people uncomfortable
  • Why “agree to disagree” doesn’t apply to basic human rights
  • The power of speaking up for those who can’t
  • The freedom that comes with saying “fuck you” to hate — and “I love you” to yourself

It’s honest, unfiltered, and unapologetically Ben — balancing heartfelt storytelling, humor, and truth bombs that land hard.

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The Fire Has Ben Building (ft. Eleven)21 Apr 202600:50:18

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by returning guest Eleven for a conversation that blends astrology, manifestation, personal growth, and real-life chaos.

From the “Year of the Fire Horse” energy to feeling like everything is almost about to take off, Ben and Eleven unpack what it means to be in a season of building, waiting, and trusting timing.

They dive into the tension between staying grounded and craving freedom — from life on the ranch and daily responsibilities to the desire for spontaneity, travel, and expansion.

The conversation expands into:

• Astrology, Aries season, and collective energy shifts
 • Why so many people feel overwhelmed right now
 • Nervous system regulation and finding balance in chaos
 • Hot and cold therapy, dopamine, and discipline
 • What it really takes to hold success and “bigger capacity”
 • Manifestation, creativity, and stepping into your purpose
 • Dating culture, relationships, and intimacy in acting

Eleven also leads a powerful moment of intention-setting and pulls a card for listeners — centered around destiny, creativity, and believing in your own path.

Plus, Breaking Point returns with Ben’s rant about Starbucks mobile orders — because even in a spiritual awakening… some things still need to be said.

If you’re feeling stuck, on the edge of something bigger, or trying to find clarity in a chaotic world, this episode will hit.


Connect with Eleven:

Instagram: @iamelevenxx

Email for ceremonies: magic@iamelevenxx.com

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Ben Dealing with Disney Adults and Android Users (ft. Bryan & John)21 Oct 202500:41:59

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his friends Bryan and John from Out Loud and Laughing for what can only be described as a pumpkin-spiced fever dream.

It starts innocent — PSLs, Starbucks baristas, and why no one uses proper grammar anymore — but spirals quickly into the Android vs. iPhone debate, porn bans in Texas, Disney adult confessions, and Greg Abbott jokes that might get everyone canceled.

From there, Ben and the boys get deep (and deranged):

  • Broken bed frames 
  • Why dolphins are the horses of the sea
  • John’s sobriety and patience journey
  • Bryan’s PTA gossip at his daughter’s school — including a roller-skating principal with a Pilates bod
  • Jon's literal arrest in Florida for speeding and how he turned jail time into a main character moment
  • A deep dive into Housewives lesbian scandals, fast fashion, and why Cinnabon might now be a lesbian bar

By the time it’s over, the trio has covered astrology, sperm counts, seatbelt tickets, and what happens when you hand a lesbian cop a Home Depot gift card.

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Ben Living Without Fear (ft. Gabrielle)14 Oct 202500:38:02

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined once again by his good friend Gabrielle, and things get deep fast — but not before a Starbucks rant. The blue-haired barista saga continues, complete with foam mishaps, stick-and-poke tattoos, and a debate over why grandmas dye their hair blue.

From there, the conversation shifts from funny to philosophical, as Ben and Gabrielle dive into the idea of fear — how it shapes us, limits us, and how choosing adventure and self-belief can completely transform your life.

They open up about:

  • The “blue hair” phenomenon and what it really says about self-expression
  • Why good things happen when you’re not an asshole
  • Traveling without fear, living spontaneously, and saying yes to adventure
  • How fear is the reason most people never leave their hometowns
  • The power of supportive parents (and daddy issues, obviously)
  • Why success isn’t about speed — it’s about consistency and joy
  • The myth of overnight success in Hollywood and what Reese Witherspoon taught Ben
  • Social media toxicity, fake filters, and why couples who post too much are doomed
  • Codependency, relationships, and being comfortable doing life on your own
  • The real secret to success: don’t live in fear, be a good person, and start something

Ben and Gabrielle leave listeners with a healthy dose of truth, laughter, and motivation — reminding everyone that fear only wins if you let it.

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Ben Down for All the Right Reasons (ft. Tara & Haley)07 Oct 202500:41:54

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben welcomes a very special pair of guests — his cousin-in-law Tara, and her daughter Haley, who instantly steals the show.

Tara shares her family’s powerful and emotional story of raising a child with Down syndrome — from the shock of the diagnosis to the overwhelming joy and laughter Haley brings into their lives every day. She opens up about young motherhood, the early medical scares, the misconceptions around disabilities, and how her family turned fear into faith, humor, and love.

Then Haley takes the mic — and chaos (in the best way) ensues. From family drama, football, and TikTok fame to wrestling gossip and telling people to “kiss my ass,” she proves why everyone falls in love with her the moment they meet her.

📌 In this episode:

  • Tara on the moment she found out Haley had Down syndrome
  • The miracle story of Haley’s heart healing on its own
  • Finding community and strength in raising a child with special needs
  • Why “different abilities” is the language of love
  • Haley joins the mic to spill family secrets, party stories, and wrestling drama
  • Ben and Haley bond over dancing, confidence, and living life unapologetically
  • The funniest exit line  (“Kiss my ass!”)

This episode is equal parts laughter, love, and pure light — a reminder that joy, humor, and resilience often come in the most unexpected packages.

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Ben on Hold, Ben on Standby, Ben Over It30 Sep 202500:19:12

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is back with a short and savage solo rant. Two companies landed on his official shit list: AT&T and Starbucks — and he’s not holding back.

It all started with a simple iPhone case return that turned into a full-blown customer service nightmare. Between a useless app, a store manager hiding in the back, and a call center that sounded like a rave in the background, Ben lost his mind trying to return a $45 case.

Then Starbucks caught some smoke — because apparently baristas can’t handle the complexity of… pouring cold foam on top of coffee. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew season is sacred, and Ben is done with tan-colored, pre-mixed disasters.

But the chaos didn’t stop there. Ben also breaks down:

  • A claustrophobic seatmate who carried six personal fans and called his wife every five minutes
  • A barefoot, back-pocket-toe-wiggling vegan Neanderthal on his New York flight
  • The exclusive Wicked event in LA that had Ben living his Broadway fantasy
  • Housewives sightings at Craig’s (because, of course)
  • And the Delta disaster that split him and AJ onto separate oversold flights, leaving AJ downgraded from first class to the back of the plane

It’s corporate chaos, Starbucks shade, and travel trauma — all in one episode.

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Ben Wearing Kelly’s Shoes (ft. Liam Kyle Sullivan)23 Sep 202501:12:34

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben fulfills a childhood dream — sitting down with viral video pioneer Liam Kyle Sullivan, the creator of Kelly from the Shoes video that defined early YouTube and inspired a generation of comedians.

They dive into everything from the origin of Kelly to how YouTube fame in the 2000s was completely different from TikTok virality today. Liam shares behind-the-scenes stories about creating Shoes, Muffins, and Text Message Breakup, how Susan Walker was born, and why Shoes almost didn’t happen.

The conversation covers:

  • The Jimmy Kimmel suspension, free speech, and how comedy is being policed
  • The slow rise of Shoes before “viral” was even a word
  • Casting friends, filming in Marshalls, and the $300 store rental that made history
  • Why Susan Walker might secretly be everyone’s aunt
  • The difference between YouTube’s golden age and today’s TikTok scroll culture
  • The comeback: Liam performing Shoes live at drag shows and Pride events in 2024
  • His upcoming projects: A Very Kelly Christmas live show and his solo show Wearing Kelly’s Shoes

For Ben, it’s more than nostalgia — he credits Kelly with inspiring him to create his own skits and chase acting in LA.

Follow Liam Kyle Sullivan

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AJ’s Been Hired, I’ve Ben Fired16 Sep 202500:44:54

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben and AJ are back together — and it’s a rollercoaster.

Ben kicks off with his latest run-ins with religious trolls, from women claiming “being gay is a choice” to strangers spamming his DMs with Bible verses. His clapbacks? Iconic. (“You know what else is a choice? Your dental hygiene.”) AJ brings his calmer perspective, reminding Ben (and all of us) that leading with heart usually wins — but Ben’s still choosing chaos.

Then the conversation moves to:

  • The infamous bear encounter at the cabin and why AJ was screaming “get away” while Ben tried to lure it closer
  • Wyntoon magic: a fairytale weekend in a historic estate where JFK once stayed
  • AJ’s exciting new job with Alpha School — using AI and imagination to reimagine education, plus his wild career path from 20th Century Fox to Yahoo yodeling to leadership coaching
  • The bizarre but brilliant AI job interview process that landed AJ the role
  • Ben’s early jobs: scamming Best Buy credit cards, quitting restaurants, and turning down ad agency offers to chase acting in LA
  • Why Ben refuses to ever work a 9-to-5 — but will grind 24/7 for acting, photography, and this podcast
  • A reminder that Ben is still the best headshot photographer in DFW (his words, but also facts)

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Ben With Bears (ft. Domenica Albero)09 Sep 202500:42:46

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his new bestie Domenica Albero, fresh from a Northern California “camping” trip that was less sleeping bags, more fairytale chaos.

What started as a Lake Tahoe getaway (complete with a bear under the deck charging at Ben) turned into a full-blown fantasy vacation with castles, rivers, nightly theme parties, and… golf cart near-death experiences.

They break down:

  • Why every night ended with them on a pool table performing Wicked like it was the Tonys
  • Ben’s golf cart trauma (dragged, bruised, and nearly dead)
  • Bear shit, hidden brooms, and a house literally called “Bear House”
  • Massages that felt more like CrossFit 
  • Living off brie cheese wheels, jalapeño chips, and stolen ice cream — like full-on kitchen gremlins
  • Tits and toddlers: the most chaotic morning outfit ever
  • Theme nights: prom, cowboy, “gypsy,” and why Domenica was always topless by midnight
  • The group therapy moment: highs & ha-ha’s that always came back to them
  • Ben’s ripped pants, Domenica’s missing nails, and why the staff probably thought they had a rat infestation

The chaos continues in the aftershow as they spiral into Netflix’s Unknown Number: High School Catfish, the catfishing mom who traumatized her daughter, and why Ben & Domenica think they need to step up their petty game.

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Ben Missing (ft. Cassandra Broadway)02 Sep 202500:31:12

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Cassandra Broadway is back, and we’re covering everything from medical meltdowns to missing persons mysteries.

Ben kicks things off with his annual LabCorp rant after another disastrous blood work experience — barcode scanning drama, fasting for nothing, and why phlebotomists have the same customer service energy as the post office.

Then the conversation spirals into:

  • Why camping feels like punishment when you already live on a ranch with 70 animals
  • Ben’s upcoming “glamping” trip to Northern California with cabins, theme nights, and maybe some mushrooms
  • Whether reality TV ruins acting careers — and why Survivor might just be free Ozempic
  • A deep dive into Stalking Samantha on Hulu — where the victim’s story doesn’t exactly add up
  • Cassandra’s real-life brush with stalkers in college and Miami apartment creeps
  • Netflix’s Amy Bradley is Missing and the wild theories of what really happened on that cruise ship
  • The infamous Poop Cruise — sewage floods, mattress orgies, and why Ben would’ve jumped overboard to the nearest passing yacht

AJ pops in at the end to share why Cassandra has been his best friend for 20 years, why their phone calls often involve long stretches of silence, and how that’s the ultimate love language of friendship.

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Ben Basic About Pumpkin (ft. Sherri)26 Aug 202500:39:06

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Sherri is back for her third appearance (making her the show’s most frequent guest — besides AJ, of course). And as always, no topic is off limits.

The episode kicks off with the return of pumpkin spice season at Starbucks, leading to a full breakdown of pumpkin cream cold brews, muffins, candles, and Sherri’s inside knowledge of how to grow (and rotate!) the perfect pumpkin. Things quickly spiral into Starbucks foam wars, blow job comparisons at the drive-thru, and cream cheese confessions.

From there, Ben and Sherri cover:

  • The Granbury gay marriage license drama, courthouse bigotry, and why laws aren’t up for personal interpretation
  • Ranch maintenance hell: cracked windshields, trailers, generators, gators, and $1,600 truck tires
  • Why “we don’t make those anymore” is the scam line of the century
  • Nail salons, secret languages, and why Ben wants translating AirPods in his studio
  • Pet peeves from photo clients asking for Jennifer Aniston headshots to Sherri’s lifelong hatred of feet
  • Straight men listening to the podcast (hi, Mike!) and global listeners from Australia to Iran
  • Austin weekend chaos: Sean’s 50th birthday, Ben drunk-heckling someone’s Christmas ribbon, and a skyscraper grasshopper who just wanted to wave through the window

It’s pumpkin spice meets pure chaos — with Sherri as the reigning queen of stories.

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Ben The Life Of Showgays (ft. Bryan & Jon)19 Aug 202500:37:03

This week on It’s Ben A Week, the studio is loud, shady, and glitter-covered as Ben is joined by Bryan and Jon from the podcast Out Loud and Laughing. The mics heat up instantly as the trio dives into Taylor Swift’s new album, Life of a Showgirl — breaking down lyrics, Easter eggs, and why she has the best marketing team.

From there, nothing is off limits — Housewives drama, murder hypotheticals, Caitlyn Jenner rants, pop culture meltdowns, and the eternal question: if you could get away with it, who’s your first victim?

📌 In this episode:

  • Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl — first impressions, hidden meanings, and her amazing PR team
  • Housewives franchises: best seasons, biggest villains, and most iconic meltdowns
  • Caitlyn Jenner’s latest antics and why she might be trolling all of us
  • Murder hypotheticals — who, why, and how (don’t call the cops)
  • The art of the pop culture drag: from “she’s over” to “she’s iconic” in 48 hours
  • Every gay gets ONE diva 
  • Who’s got the most unhinged fan base — Swifties, Housewives fans, or Beyonce?

🔗 Follow Bryan & Jon:
Podcast: Out Loud and Laughing
Instagram: @outloudandlaughing

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Connection Has Ben Missing (ft. Melissa Daniels)14 Apr 202600:39:37

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by Melissa Daniels, a producer turned creator who left her life in Los Angeles to go on a cross-country “reset tour” — driving city to city and hosting potluck dinners with strangers.

What started as a personal creative reset quickly turned into something much bigger: a social experiment around connection, loneliness, and what community actually looks like today.

Melissa shares how burnout, the LA wildfires, and years of helping others execute their creative visions pushed her to finally step outside her comfort zone and create something of her own.

Together, they dive into:

• Why people feel more disconnected than ever (despite social media)

• The difference between online connection and real-life relationships

• Hosting intimate dinners with strangers across the country

• How vulnerability creates instant community

• Why discomfort is necessary for growth

• “Fake it till you make it” vs “practice it until you become it”

• Self-love, emotional regulation, and breaking negative patterns


Ben also shares his perspective on modern relationships, social media culture, and why genuine connection feels harder to find than ever.

Plus, Breaking Point returns with a rant about people not responding to emails and Melissa’s nightmare Airbnb experience while road-tripping with her cat.

If you’ve been craving real connection, meaningful conversations, or a reset in your own life, this episode will hit home.

Connect with Melissa:

The Reset Tour Project: http://www.theresettourproject.com/

Find her on instagram here

Melissa is documenting her journey across the country through her reset tour, hosting community dinners and creating space for real, meaningful connection. She’s currently sharing updates through her personal Instagram and her mindfulness-focused page.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
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He's Ben Writing & Directing Hollywood Blockbusters (ft. Rawson Marshall Thurber)12 Aug 202501:22:31

This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m joined by Rawson Marshall Thurber — the writer and director behind blockbuster hits like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Central Intelligence, Skyscraper, Red Notice, and the upcoming Voltron film. He’s worked with everyone from Ben Stiller to Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Aniston, and Gal Gadot — and now… me.

Then Rawson and I get into:

  • How Dodgeball came to be
  • What it’s really like working with The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, and Jennifer Aniston
  • The pressures of directing mega-budget films vs. the joy of smaller comedies
  • Directing action vs. comedy — and why timing is everything
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from We’re the Millers and Skyscraper
  • His thoughts on casting, improvisation, and how actors can stand out in auditions
  • Balancing massive budgets with creative risk-taking
  • His best advice for actors trying to break in — including the one thing you must do 
  • And what it feels like to have Netflix’s most-watched movie on your résumé

It’s equal parts filmmaking masterclass, Hollywood tea, and unfiltered banter.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Ben-eath the Surface: Beauty, Needles & Truth (ft. Botox Queen Laura Fischer)05 Aug 202501:10:13

She’s the only person Ben trusts to poke his face with needles—and for good reason. In this episode, Ben is joined by Beverly Hills-based nurse practitioner and aesthetic guru Laura Fischer for an honest, hilariously relatable, and incredibly informative deep dive into all things skincare, Botox, filler, and the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments.

From what age you should actually start Botox, to the difference between “filler face” and tasteful enhancement, Laura spills all the tea. Ben also shares his own skincare addiction cycles, and why Ben refuses to attend a Botox party in someone’s kitchen. Plus, listeners get an exclusive $100 off referral deal for Laura’s office—because flawless skin should come with perks.

In this episode:

  • Ben opens up about his skincare obsession (and neglect)
  • Laura breaks down the truth behind Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and more
  • How injectables really work—spoiler: it’s not a magic eraser
  • The difference between “aging naturally” and “aging wisely”
  • Filler horror stories, med spa red flags, and the Botox party nobody should attend
  • How skincare, lasers, and retinol work together for long-term results
  • Laura’s gentle (but firm) approach to client safety, confidence, and not overdoing it
  • Listener discount alert: Mention Ben and get $100 off your first visit with Laura

Book with Laura via her Instagram bio or Click here!

$100 OFF for new patients—just mention “It's Ben a Week Podcast” at your appointment

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Have You Ben AI-Curious? (ft. ChatGPT)29 Jul 202500:45:04

This week on It’s Ben A Week, we’re trying something new — and maybe a little futuristic. First, Ben kicks things off with some classic rage and chaos: a Starbucks, a Male Truck Drivers, and a bar fight with a cowboy bigot that ends with a bloody vape pen to the face.

Then things take a turn… because our guest this week is not a celebrity, influencer, or mom — it’s ChatGPT.

Yes, Ben interviews artificial intelligence — the app that’s changing the world. 

ChatGPT and Ben get into it:

  • What AI actually is — and why it isn’t just for tech bros
  • Why Ben stopped using Google and now just asks “his girl” ChatGPT everything
  • Whether AI is making us lazy… or unlocking our genius
  • Will robots take over? Or are they just here to help us write better captions?
  • The dark side: privacy, regulation, ethics, and whether AI will kill our jobs
  • Ben confesses he’s formed an emotional bond with his AI voice. It’s not weird. It’s 2025.

The episode wraps with a reverse interview, where ChatGPT asks Ben about:

  • His acting career, including Class Act with Eric Roberts
  • Why he started this podcast
  • His photography business in Dallas
  • Barrel racing, spin class, and being obsessed with coral
  • Advice to his younger self: Don’t listen to people who gave up on their own dreams

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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Ben in the Bush (ft. Urzila Carlson)22 Jul 202501:16:02

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Urzila Carlson — global comedy powerhouse, Taskmaster trauma survivor, and certified expert in both sarcasm and swearing.

Originally from South Africa, now based in New Zealand, Urzila has taken the comedy world by storm with her Netflix specials, unfiltered stand-up, and razor-sharp takes on everything from LGBTQIA+ to not ending up porn. She’s a scene stealer in her new movie Kinda Pregnant, but first — we need Ben to get the name right! 

The episode opens with a full breakdown of:

  • Ben’s latest FedEx meltdown while trying to ship coral for his reef tank
  • The broken customer service loop that left him yelling at a robot

Then Urzila joins and they dive into:

  • Her journey from South Africa to Texas to Auckland
  • Swearing in comedy, why the word “cunt” shouldn’t offend you
  • The time she broke her collarbone on Taskmaster 
  • Why airports are built to enrage you (and why pre-boarding should be illegal)
  • What it's like shooting Kinda Pregnant with Amy Schumer
  • Why lesbians might have it easier than gay men in public
  • How comedy handles swearing, slurs, and cancel culture — and what it gets wrong
  • Parenting while touring, and being confused for Ursula the Sea Witch

🔗 Follow Urzila Carlson:
Website: www.urzilacarlson.com
TikTok: @urzilacarlson
Instagram: @urzilacarlson
Netflix Special: Overqualified Loser on Netflix
New Movie: Kinda Pregnant 

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Hamptons, Housewives, and Ben Faking Diarrhea15 Jul 202500:33:09

This week on It’s Ben A Week, It's all about Montauk, Manhattan, and the Cowboy Carter tour. What was supposed to be a chill summer getaway turned into a full-throttle saga featuring a Real Housewives, a bar showdown, a fake diarrhea excuse to Delta, and me almost getting decked by a guy a local fisherman.

In this episode, I cover:

  •  A returned Christmas card from someone who ghosted me… and blocked me
  •  Getting kicked out of a dive bar by a bartender dressed like Pippi Longstocking
  • Almost getting punched by locals 
  •  Dinner with Real Housewives in NYC 
  •  And how I got AJ to fake a medical emergency so we could rebook our flight to Atlanta and finally see Beyoncé

If you’ve ever faked a medical condition to see your idol, got kicked out of a bar on vacation, or spent thousands on concert tickets — this one’s for you.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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SoulCycle Has Ben My Cult (ft. David Zint)08 Jul 202501:04:41

This week, Ben sits down with his SoulCycle instructor and longtime friend, David Zint — master instructor, motivational powerhouse, and unofficial therapist. After clocking over 750 hours of riding with David, Ben gets deep about how SoulCycle helped him through breakups, grief, and the chaos of acting life — and why it was never about burning calories.

But before we spin into the deep stuff, Ben shares his extremely unpatriotic feelings about the Fourth of July, why he’s ready to cancel kids at the gym, how fireworks nearly ruined a friendship (and his barn), and the latest Beyoncé ticket meltdown that tested his burnt toast theory and his blood pressure.

From spin-room therapy to Ozempic mood swings to tear-filled podium rides — this episode is full of breakthroughs, beefs, and Beyoncé.

Before we clip in, I vent about:

  •  My moody 4th of July weekend
  •  Kids ruining my F45 class with gaming laptops 
  •  Fireworks-induced barn trauma
  •  And my latest Beyoncé ticket saga — because of course something went wrong

Then David and I dive deep into:

  •  How SoulCycle became therapy on a bike Crying mid-class, and the power of collective healing through movement
  •  His journey from personal trainer to top LA instructor
  •  How movement, motivation, and music connect people in ways talk therapy sometimes can’t
  •  Ozempic mood swings, gym pet peeves, and SoulCycle do’s and don’ts
  •  Why “Yes Yes” might be the most powerful phrase you’ll hear today

Whether you're a SoulCycle addict, a movement skeptic, or just emotionally backed up — this episode moves you.

Book a class with David Zint in LA: soul-cycle.com
Follow David: @spinvillain

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Ben in the Dominican Republic01 Jul 202500:39:53

This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s just me — and the wildest work week I’ve ever had.

I booked a national commercial that had me on a flight to the Dominican Republic in 12 hours. Problem is… it was the same weekend as my friend’s funeral and the Beyoncé concert I’d been planning to go to for months.

Here’s what went down:

  •  I booked a national commercial shooting in the Dominican Republic
  •  I had to cancel Beyoncé and miss my friend’s funeral
  •  My passport got accidentally handed to a stranger in a busted Honda Civic
  •  A horse fell on top of me mid-scene on the beach
  •  I went three full days without eating because the food was… not food
  • It was hell-hot (as in, Satan’s ass was hovering directly overhead)
  •  The commercial turned out amazing, and I’m so grateful I got to do it

By the end of the trip, I was sore, starving, and exhausted — but also totally in awe. I’ve worked my ass off to be a full-time actor, and this job reminded me that the chaos is worth it.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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I've Ben Shooting with Top Headshot Photographer (ft. Steph Girard)24 Jun 202501:12:43

This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m kicking things off with a story that made me question everything: a friend ghosted me in the middle of planning an episode… after confirming, bullet pointing, and saying “love you.” I went full Nancy Drew, messaged her mom, and basically spiraled into a wellness check meltdown.

If you’ve ever been stood up, blocked, or left wondering “am I crazy or is this sociopathic?” — same.

But then — the episode redeems itself — because I’m joined by one of my all-time favorite humans and mentors: Stephanie Girard, LA’s number one headshot photographer (and my friend since 2014) and the woman behind all of It’s Ben A Week's iconic branding photos.

In this episode, we talk about:

  •  The emotional labor of being a headshot photographer
  •  Why photographers should be part therapist, hype person, and lighting wizard
  •  Her creative journey from NYC rooftop shoots to the top of the industry in LA
  •  How she became the best — with no marketing, just word of mouth and undeniable talent
  •  Her take on AI headshots and why photography is still deeply human
  •  Our shared obsession with chickens (including a chicken picnic table and coop fashion)
  •  Why mentorship matters, how she helped me start my own photography biz, and the impact of creative generosity

We also get into mentorship, creative growth, and why the best artists are the ones who give back.

Check out Stephanie’s work:  https://www.stephgirardheadshots.com
Get Headshots training at: https://www.headshotxperience.com


🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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Ben Going Bravo and Boo Boo for Labubu17 Jun 202500:50:48

This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m kicking things off with some real talk. We just lost a dear friend — Danny — to cancer, and my heart goes out to his husband Blaine and everyone in our crew who’s hurting. Life hit hard this week, but so did the laughs, the chaos, and the cocktails… because grief doesn’t come in a straight line.

We flew to LA for the week and let me tell you — travel was a disaster, AJ caught Labubu fever, I got bullied by a flight attendant with power trip energy, and Disneyland was amazing as we skipped every line with private tour guides.

Then, I’m joined by Barbara, a TV producer who's worked on:

  • The Kardashians (where she's currently an executive producer)
  • Vanderpump Rules
  • Million Dollar Listing
  • Southern Charm
  • Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and more

We talk all things behind the camera:

  •  What it’s really like working with the Kardashians
  •  Which Housewives are just as chaotic IRL
  •  How Heather Gay’s infamous black eye shook production
  •  The secrets of casting, filming, and producing iconic reality moments
  • How she made the leap from NBC page to Bravo boss And yes… what makes someone Housewife material

We also touch on AJ’s unholy obsession with Labubu dolls, Bravo cult energy, and why Ultimate Girls Trip: Ranch Edition is now my pitch to Bravo.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
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Website: itsbenaweek.com

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Ben Clownin’ Around (ft. Gilly Adams)10 Jun 202500:42:06

This week on It’s Ben A Week, I talk about why children don’t belong at the gym, why iPad babies are ruining customer service, and how I ended up almost cheering when a dumbbell landed on a toddler (he’s fine… allegedly).

Then I head back to LA for my best friend’s insane baby shower, and I reflect on how Pride Month is being erased by the government — including renaming the Navy ship named after Harvey Milk and quietly stripping trans names from the Stonewall monument. Not okay.

Then I sit down with Gilly Adams — actor, director, and professional clown — to talk about his incredible new documentary American Clown. We go deep on:

  • 🤡 Clown stereotypes, from Pennywise to rodeo clowns
  • 🎥 His work with John C. Reilly, David Arquette, and Steve-O
  • 🩺 The overlooked good clowns have done — in hospitals, schools, and beyond
  • 💔 Cancel culture, fear culture, and how wholesome things get rejected
  • 🎭 What it really means to “put on the nose” and stay connected to your imagination as an adult
  • 🧢 Why not everyone who wears clown makeup is actually a clown

Whether you love clowns, fear them, or haven’t seen one since your sixth birthday party — this episode might just change how you see them.


AMERICAN CLOWN
Premieres: MON, JUN 23 @ 7PM

https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf28-american-clown

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

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We've All Ben Through Trauma (ft. Camryn Watson)07 Apr 202601:08:51

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with trauma therapist Camryn Watson, LPC for a conversation that turns into something way more personal than expected.

From breaking down what “trauma” actually means (and why it’s become such a buzzword) to exploring how our past shapes our present, this episode dives into the real psychology behind how we cope, avoid, and heal.  

Ben opens up about his own childhood, his complicated relationship with his stepdad, and a completely unexpected moment that had him sobbing on the couch over Hannah Montana — and what it revealed about his past.

They get into trauma vs. “wounds,” how two people can experience the same event completely differently, and why coping mechanisms like humor can both help and hide deeper emotions. Camryn explains how trauma impacts the nervous system, why some people stay stuck in a victim mindset, and what real healing actually looks like.

The conversation also explores therapy misconceptions, inner child work, relationships, and the moment many people “turn on themselves” — often without realizing it.

Plus, Ben and AJ unpack everything afterward, diving deeper into self-awareness, growth, and why having someone in your corner — whether it’s a therapist, coach, or mentor — can change everything.

This episode is funny, honest, uncomfortable, and deeply relatable — all at the same time.

Connect with Camryn Watson, LPC

📧 Email: Camryn@lifevibes.co

🌐 Website: https://lifevibes.co

🧠 Psychology Today Profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/camryn-watson-fort-worth-tx/988354

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
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🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

I've Ben Gay! 🌈 (Birthday & Pride Special)03 Jun 202500:26:04

This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s my birthday… and I’m officially coming out — right here on the podcast. Surprise! I’m gay. 🌈 (Okay, not that shocking)

I’m turning 33, and this episode is a full reflection on self-love, Pride Month, and the journey of getting comfortable in your own skin. I talk about growing up closeted, internalized shame, high school bullies, my terrifying coming-out moment with my mom on the freeway, and how I finally got to a place where I can proudly say: I love who I am.

Then AJ joins me to recap my wild birthday pool party — including:

  • 🎉 Surprise guests flying in from around the country
  • 🍰 Me accidentally pouring Fireball all over the birthday cake
  • 🔥 Fireball sunburns and Speedo chaos
  • 🍻 Our new favorite drinking game: Beer Pressure
  • 🎤 And our “Ben There, Done That” segment — complete with AJ’s coming out story (yes, he’s also gay — you’re welcome, world)

This episode is funny, unfiltered, and fully queer joy

PS: If you’ve never had Fireball pour down your back and fry into your skin in 95-degree heat… don’t.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Ben A Survivor — Brain Surgery, Grief, and Growth (ft. Gabrielle)27 May 202501:05:00

This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m saving dogs, dodging kids at the gym, raging about kettlebells, and reflecting on Katy Perry’s outer space comeback tour. Oh — and I shot a gun for the first time. No big deal.

Then I’m joined by a brand new friend — yoga instructor, tarot reader, and all-around badass Gabrielle, who shares her incredible story of surviving emergency brain surgery at 14, losing her mom shortly after, being kicked out of her house at 16, and still somehow becoming a business owner, healer, and deeply self-aware human. Her story is raw, emotional, and wild — and full of moments that made my jaw drop.

We also talk:

  • 🧠 Life after a traumatic brain injury
  • 💔 Healing from childhood trauma and learning to forgive
  • 🧘‍♀️ Why yoga (and therapy) might actually save your life
  • 🔮 Tarot readings, spiritual shifts, and signs from the universe
  • 🚫 Why the gym is not a daycare (I said what I said)
  • 🎯 And what her tarot cards say about the future of this podcast

It’s inspiring, intense, and deeply real — just the way we like it.

🎧 Listen now: https://linktr.ee/itsbenaweek
🧘‍♀️ Check out Gabrielle’s yoga studio + classes: https://linktr.ee/gabrielle.kinser

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Aruba, Audis, And Ben Missing My Lug Nuts (ft. Cassandra Broadway)20 May 202501:00:45

This week on It’s Ben A Week, things go off the rails fast — literally. I try to rescue a squirrel stuck in my truck tire and end up driving the wheels off my dually. Then I recap my stressful (and slightly unhinged) car buying journey and why I chose the new Audi Q6 over a Tesla. Spoiler: I just can’t give Elon my money.

Then AJ’s best friend of 20 years — and my instant bestie — Cassandra joins me for the full episode. This episode covers:

  •  The great squirrel rescue gone wrong (lug nuts were… not reinstalled)
  •  Car buying chaos, dealership drama, and why the Q6 won
  • A wild Aruba bachelorette party  — featuring:
    • 15 strangers
    • 1 spelling bee
    • A broken rib
    • Pirate ships
    • Flamingos (kind of)
    • A stranger named Gina
    • And a 4-day drunken airport delay
  • Cassandra’s life as a professional baton twirler (yes, really)
  •  Conspiracy theories, reincarnation, dreams, and what might be lurking under Kansas
  •  Red flags, including people who brush their teeth in the shower

Plus: AJ returns at the end to call me out about the tire incident, remind me I’m a menace with tools, and explain why I should not give homeownership advice.

PS: If you’ve ever been stranded in Aruba, twirled competitively, or blamed a coyote for your chaos… this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

Moms Have Ben Through It (Mother’s Day Special)13 May 202501:29:23

This week on It’s Ben A Week, we’re honoring Mother’s Day — but not in the Hallmark card way. This is an episode about real moms, real loss, real love, and the unthinkable strength it takes to show up when life knocks you flat.

First up: I talk with my incredible friend Victoria, who shares the story of losing her newborn daughter Eden — and how grief became the most powerful fuel for her growth. She opens up about the trauma, therapy, and the promise she made to Eden that still guides her today — all while being days away from giving birth again.

Then I sit down with Sherri, who never planned to be a mom... until a phone call changed everything. She adopted her cousin’s baby, born with severe special needs, and was told the child wouldn’t survive past one year. That baby is now 14 years old. This is one of the most unbelievable stories you’ll hear — full of heartbreak, miracles, and fierce motherly love.

This episode is a raw and emotional ride, but it’s also a powerful reminder to put yourself in someone else’s shoes — even if they’re not shoes you’d ever expect to wear. 👟

To all the moms, moms-to-be, chosen moms, grieving moms, and women who mother in every form — this one’s for you.

PS: Beyoncé, please don’t sue me for the snippet I used. I did spin next to you at SoulCycle.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.

📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts

🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com

💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

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