Explore every episode of the podcast In Depth With Graham Bensinger

Larry the Cable Guy emotionally recounts the moment he realized he landed the role as Mater in Pixar’s “Cars,” including why it remains the greatest thing to ever happen to him and how it was the culmination of everything he’d worked for up until that moment.

Jesse James on his decision to go to rehab after the fallout with Sandra Bullock, and why it was so rewarding

Actor, Writer and Producer Ray Romano fondly remembers the Late-Night appearance that changed his life, cringes over a particularly embarrassing moment during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and explains why he had no regrets on ending the show that made him a star.

Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren reveals instances throughout his illustrious career where he risked life and limb for his profession, including risky jumps without safety provisions and a decade of steroid use. 

 Richard Petty recounts a variety of serious injuries, his high pain tolerance and the most painful injury

Big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton invites Graham to Hawaii for a sit-down interview in which Hamilton opens up about his abusive childhood and a relentless pursuit to push boundaries today. Hamilton - who helped pioneer tow-in surfing and foilboarding - shares stories of near-death experiences while tackling some of the biggest waves in surfing history and how his personality traits thrive in the open water.

 Famed Hollywood director Ron Howard serves up memorable moments on set with illustrious actors, including how he eventually won over a skeptical Bette Davis, tactics to calm Jim Carrey amidst panic attacks and lessons learned from a highly-prepared Robert De Niro, who went above and beyond to research his character for “Backdraft.” 

Billie Jean King on the enormity of the Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs, plus addressing women’s rights issues then and now.

Graham talks with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. In this 2016 interview, “The Great One” lives up to his moniker as he shares stories of his incredible dedication to the game ever since he was five years old. Gretzky credits his father for helping him skyrocket through junior hockey, discusses the inner workings of one of the most controversial trades in NHL history and why he decided to hang up his skates and retire after 20 historic seasons.

Rick Harrison, star of Pawn Stars, reflects on his experiences with marriage, having been married several times and recently engaged. He shares his outlook on life focusing on positivity and how happy he is at this stage of his life.

Jerry West candidly reflects on his brother's death, his battle with depression and outlets to overcome low periods, including writing his autobiography, West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life.

Graham travels to Sonoma County for an audience with the Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri. Best known for hosting the long-running Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”, Fieri explains the long-lasting impact the show has on the spots they profile. The California resident takes us back to his childhood growing up in the Golden State, including the trip he took in high school that set him on his culinary course. Fieri also reveals a life-altering car accident in college, the unexpected emotion that came from the passing of his sister and father, and the intricate proposal he planned for his wife Lori.

Russell Westbrook says basketball was just a means for a free education; he was not thinking about the NBA

Racing superstar Jimmie Johnson details two of his scariest crashes, including when his brakes failed at Watkins Glen in 2000 and when he fell asleep at the wheel during the Baja 1000 in 1995. Jimmie says his father Gary had a premonition in a dream and warned Jimmie to “be careful” before the Baja 1000.

Graham travels to Los Angeles to sit down with multi-platinum singer and songwriter Jason Derulo. Derulo reflects on his early days hustling to break into the music industry, the importance of family, and the range of business ventures and new projects he’s pursuing today.

Shaquille O’Neal talks about the fulfillment he gets from his charity work, seen and unseen

Entrepreneur and former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz shares the lessons he’s learned from maintaining a 40-year marriage with his wife, Sheri. He reflects on a tough, but eye-opening conversation with his father-in-law about moving on from his dream of owning a coffee company and finding a real way to make money before Starbucks took off. Plus, he comments on the benefits of therapy and talks about the ways he has turned his weaknesses into strengths.

Niki Lauda reflects on everything from his early racing days, to his life-changing crash, to his impact on the Mercedes F1 team.

Comedian Bert Kreischer opens up about the lowest point in his career when he was dropped from the Travel Channel, his expected tour dates went away, and he premiered the lowest rated Showtime special. Bert reveals how a heartfelt conversation with his father led him to  take a chance on himself and how it ultimately led to his success today.

Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren addresses his physically tough childhood, including facing bullies as a child and facing his physically abusive father, Karl. Dolph says there wasn’t a hotline available to call back then in Sweden and explains how his mother also fell victim to Karl’s physical abuse. Later, Dolph reflects on how his troubling upbringing sparked a desire to train in karate, plus, why he never challenged his father in adulthood.

Join Graham, Seth, and Brett as they look back on their unforgettable sit-down with the eccentric Howie Mandel. From the unprecedented access Mandel gave the crew to the hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos—including Brett nearly taking down Simon Cowell at the America’s Got Talent studio—this episode is packed with wild stories you won’t want to miss.

Graham interviews Basketball Hall of Fame broadcaster, Dick Vitale. The legendary ESPN basketball analyst is colorful and heartfelt as he shares stories of his eyesight and bullying battles as a kid, a tight bond with Jim Valvano and overcoming a career-threatening injury.

Jesse Ventura talks about why he doesn’t fly commercial and why he sued to try and change airport procedures

Steve-O recounts a low point in his drug addiction and the mass email that led “Jackass” co-star Johnny Knoxville to stage an intervention. Plus: stories from his recovery, including suicidal thoughts, lessons from rehab, the unlikely benefits of his pessimistic outlook and the reason he stayed in sober living for two years.

Graham sits down with dancer, Misty Copeland to discuss her history-making performance as the Firebird, inequality within the ballet community and her newest role as a first-time mom.

Rick Harrison, star of Pawn Stars, recalls some of the show's star-studded guest appearances including Brett Michaels and Steve Carell. He also shares stories of his most unforgettable purchases and reflects on the wild moments he’s experienced while working at the pawn shop

Oksana Masters, a 17-time U.S. Paralympic medalist, opens up about her struggles with self-image and identity due to bullying and feeling different from her peers. She shares how therapy helped her find happiness and come to terms with her emotional stressors. Today, she proudly displays her prosthetic legs to inspire children in sports.

Graham travels to Jacksonville, Florida to sit down with Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. In their conversation, the former star quarterback reflects on his time at the University of Florida, his journey to the NFL, and the lessons he’s carried with him along the way. Tebow also shares his deep passion for serving others and discusses the inspiration behind the Tim Tebow Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting and protecting victims of human trafficking.

Despite Rob Dyrdek’s claim that he’s too old for MTV, he reveals why he recently signed a 140-episode deal.

Alex Honnold on fame, doing what he loves, spending habits and giving a portion of his salary to charity.

Graham travels to Malibu, California to profile Charlie Sheen, best known for his roles in ‘Two and a Half Men,’ ‘Major League’ and ‘Platoon’. Sheen reflects on growing up in the spotlight, his own rise to fame and shares his struggles with addiction and other controversies. Sheen then takes Graham on a tour of his childhood neighborhood to look back on the experiences that shaped his career and they crack open his new alcohol-free beer for a taste test.

Arnold Schwarzenegger recounts when he bet on himself and starred in the comedy “Twins” without taking a salary, to shed his typecast as an action star.

Legendary author James Patterson opens up about his relationship with Jane, a past girlfriend who had a lasting impact on him. He recalls how she saved him and how when she became sick, he cared for her and reshaped his mindset about love.

Graham, Brad, and Seth look back on our time in Baltimore with Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. Graham jokes about finally getting the right email address for Plank after years of trying, and the crew reflects on how impressed they were by the efficiency of the shoot day.

Graham spends several days with Dirk Nowitzki in the city where he built his 21-year NBA legacy. The 2023 Hall of Fame inductee opens up about the quirky German who mentored him, rookie year regrets, and calling the cops on a con-artist ex. He also shares his musical side and tells a never-before-heard story from his wedding.

Three-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum looks back on surprising pregnancy news from his high school girlfriend, shortly before he entered into the NBA Draft. Jayson remembers fearfully hiding the news, as he believed it might impact his draft stock. Plus, he shares the stories of first telling his then-Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens the news, and calling his mom Brandy at 3 a.m. to let her in on the secret. Jayson says the birth of his son Deuce quickly shifted his perspective and he immediately decided “nothing else matters” beyond caring for his child.

In this episode of the In Depth Crew Podcast, Graham, executive producer Brad Galbreath, and director of photography Seth Donnelly take you behind the scenes of our interview with Onlyfans models Bryce Adams and Brian Adam.

Skateboarding and reality TV star Ryan Sheckler reflects on his evolving relationship with money, including earning his first $100K before he could drive and “wasting” more than $1M with material things like bottle service, penthouse suites and private jet flights. Sheckler also talks of current business interests, including Sandlot Times, Palm Springs Surf Club and a potential deal involving a chain of tattoo shops.

One of OnlyFans' most-followed models, Bryce Adams, joins Graham to discuss her rise from selling sporting goods to becoming a fitness influencer - to eventually launching her adult content channel that brings in upwards of $14M a year. Adams details her creative process, how she navigates personal boundaries and the safety precautions she's put in place. She also addresses the recent breakup with her longtime boyfriend and business partner, Brian. 

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld opens up about his feelings of depression and darkening moods, elaborating on how this tendency comes with a creative mind. He also shares the impact of his kids, calling them the greatest show on Earth and how much fun they are to watch, as well as discussing his parenting style.

Kelly Slater recalls growing up on a fixed income, sometimes going without heat or hot water, and having no winter clothes. He says though his family wasn’t in extreme poverty, his Mom did have to sell her prized possession, a 1938 Gibson gold-top banjo, to get Slater to the World Championships. Plus, he describes not knowing how to handle his early wealth, and the financial lessons he learned after losing it all.

Graham spends the day with NBA center Dwight Howard at his Atlanta-area estate. The 8-time all-star and 2020 NBA champion discusses career highlights, from going first overall at the 2004 NBA Draft, to winning the NBA Dunk Contest and upsetting LeBron James and the Cavs en route to the 2009 NBA Finals. In this 2019 interview, Dwight also opens up about his family - from his state-trooper father to his five children - and shares his philosophical outlook on the many lessons learned during his ascension to and through stardom.

Joe Namath on his battle with alcohol, staying sober for 13 years as a “dry drunk” and the combination of fear, support and religious beliefs that help him overcome the addiction.

Gary Player shares his unorthodox methods of staying mentally sharp, including

intentionally driving behind slow drivers on the highway and slapping himself in the face, repeatedly.

We revisit Graham’s 2018 chat with the Super Bowl champ turned Emmy-winning TV star, Michael Strahan. The seven-time Pro Bowler reflects on his move from daytime TV to morning news, predicts his eventual retirement and reflects on 15 years with the Giants. Strahan also discusses his childhood in Germany and a deep conversation with his father that changed everything. 

Ron Howard fondly remembers his father Rance, who doubled as his personal acting coach. Plus, Ron’s brother Clint Howard joins the conversation and paints a picture as to how their father politely challenged Andy Griffith and helped shape the depth of Opie Taylor as Ron’s character on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Later, Ron remembers when Andy Griffith took center stage at an end-of-season wrap party and announced his departure from the show, plus the warm embrace of a cast reunion nearly 20 years later that validated his childhood emotions. 

Misty Copeland - named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine - takes us through encounters with racism and microaggressions throughout her illustrious career in ballet. Misty recalls dance companies forcing her to wear tights accustomed to white dancers, a makeup artist who planned to apply white powder to her face and more generally a shortage of opportunities and access for Black ballet dancers.  Later, she talks of an impulse to run away from racial disparities and obstacles at American Ballet Theatre, but instead leaned into lessons learned from her mother

We revisit Graham’s 2015 chat with Jesse Ventura. The former WWE wrestler and governor of Minnesota emotionally remembers spending a day with Muhammad Ali, explains his falling out with Hulk Hogan and discusses his time in office – which included a trip to Cuba to meet with the late Fidel Castro. Plus, Ventura reflects on Navy SEAL training and his role in the movie Predator.

Clayton Kershaw discusses growing in his Christian faith and how he uses his personal success to glorify God’s name.

Sports broadcasting icon Bob Costas remembers his upbringing, including anecdotes from his father’s gambling addiction. Costas talks of his dad passing away at an early age due to a heart attack and unexpectedly receiving an envelope containing $6,000 in cash at the funeral. He ponders what life would be like if his dad were alive to witness his career growth and remembers his mom Jayne for her good-natured, self-deprecating humor, among other things.