Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

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Veterans Day: Saluting The Nation's Heroes Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

This Veterans Day, we honor those who dedicated their lives to protect our country at all costs. Derek McGinnis is a prime example.

US Navy veteran Derek McGinnis was serving in Iraq when he was severely injured by an IED explosion — losing a leg, suffering a traumatic brain injury, collapsed lung, and other intense shrapnel injuries. When adjusting to his new normal, it wasn't just the constant pain that plagued Derek, but the loss of identity and direction that made recovery insurmountable. However, through the vital support Derek and his family received from Semper Fi & America's Fund, Derek realized though his life was different now, it was still incredibly meaningful.

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Trey Yingst: Reporting From The Frontlines Of War Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Anyone following the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars is most likely familiar with the

fascinating, fearless work of FOX News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst.

Though, what's life like for correspondents like Trey, who risk their lives to shed light on some of the world's most important stories?

Trey and Ben discuss the experiences they've both undergone as war correspondents — from sharing the same urge to be in the center of action from a young age, to facing the emotional toll that comes with living in a war zone. They also discuss Trey's book "Black Saturday," which captures Trey's eye-witness account of the tragic October 7th attacks on Israel.

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Mitch Strong's NYC Marathon Story Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

When thinking about events across the world that embody strength and resilience, the New York City Marathon is a prime example. As countless runners join together, carrying unique stories and a shared goal, it's one of the most inspiring events of the year — especially when looking at groups like Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners put together by the New York Road Runners, a non-profit organization setting out to strengthen people and communities through the transformative power of running.

Today, Ben sits down with Mitch Strong, a 76-year-old member of Team Inspire who's taking on the NYC Marathon after a 36-year hiatus. Mitch sits down with Ben to discuss his complex relationship with resilience as a Vietnam Air Force Veteran, a cancer survivor, and a long-time runner who's been coaching others to achieve their goals for over 25 years.

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Lean On Me: Fighting For Mothers Battling Breast Cancer Oct 21, 2024

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After undergoing fourteen months of treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis, Roberta Lombardi was emotionally and physically spent. On top of this, Roberta had to reckon with a paralyzing realization: she was in the top 1% of people in the hospital who could afford everything that came with a cancer diagnosis. Now, living cancer-free, Roberta has dedicated her life to addressing this disparity.

Roberta joins Ben to discuss how her non-profit organization, 'Infinite Strength,' can provide emotional and financial support to underserved mothers living with metastatic breast cancer.

To donate or learn more about Infinite Strength, visit their website below: https://www.infinitestrength.org/

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Al-Qaeda’s Attack On The USS Cole: Commander Kirk Lippold's Story Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

"USS Cole is in the Eastern Med right now helping defend Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles. And it's because of my crew of heroes."

On October 12, 2000, Kirk Lippold was the Commanding Officer on the USS Cole when it was attacked by al-Qaeda. In an instant, Commander Lippold oversaw saving his men and his rapidly sinking ship. Though 17 sailors tragically lost their lives, he and his crew did achieve a historic feat: saving the USS Cole.

Commander Lippold joins Benjamin to discuss the events of that horrific day and to weigh in on the connection between his 2000 attack and the terrorist attacks on 9/11, as well as the current state of U.S. national security.

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A Year Of War In Gaza: A War Reporter’s Reflections Oct 07, 2024

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Today marks one year since the October 7th attacks that began the Israel-Hamas war.

365 days later, as the war rages on, Benjamin sits down to reflect on what it's like observing the tragedy of this war after spending years of his life observing it firsthand while reporting in conflict zones. He opens up about the feelings that come with watching friends and colleagues report live from these dangerous war zones, after he nearly lost his life while reporting in Ukraine in March of 2022.

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Losing Her Sight Led Tarris Marie to Find Her Passion Sep 30, 2024

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Tarris Marie was a wife and mother with 15 years of experience in corporate America, when she noticed her vision becoming slightly distorted. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that ultimately led Tarris to become legally blind. After losing her central vision, leaving her career, and experiencing death in her family — Tarris hit rock bottom. Until she heard a voice telling her, "write a book".

Today, Tarris Marie sits down with Benjamin to discuss how this experience ultimately led to her writing her debut novel, Blaque Pearle, despite never having written anything like it before. She also reveals her experience adjusting to life with only her peripheral vision, carving out a new professional pathway, and relying on her faith and family to fuel her resilience.

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An Oyster Left Mike Lavorel With A 1% Chance To Live Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

After a Saturday night out with friends in 2019, Mike Lavorel thought he was coming down with a stomach bug when he started feeling sick later that night. By Tuesday evening, Mike was unable to speak and immobile. What began then, was Mike's tumultuous fight to stay alive.

Mike and his wife Jennifer Lavorel join Benjamin to discuss how Mike eating a raw oyster led to a nine-month battle with sepsis, a medically induced coma, and ultimately -- the loss of both his lower legs and several fingers.

The Lavorels share what it was like for them and their two sons to experience their lives transform in an instant, how Mike was able to come back from a 1% chance of survival, and the crucial role their community in Mike's recovery.

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North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum On Discovering Hope Through Recovery Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

It's rare to meet someone whose life hasn't been impacted by addiction in some way, yet conversations surrounding the disease largely remain taboo due to shame and stigma. The First Lady of North Dakota, Kathryn Burgum has made it her mission to change that.

First Lady Burgum joins Benjamin to discuss her 20 year battle with alcoholism, and why the shame and fear of being met with disappointment were primary reasons she didn't ask for the help she needed. Now, 22 years sober, she's used her influence to create 'Recovery Reinvented,' a non-profit organization aiming to dismantle the stigma around addictions that keeps so many people suffering in silence. Through educating and forming a community, the First Lady is raising awareness of the fact that addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing. She shares crucial advice that can help recovering addicts and those with loved ones grappling with addiction find the hope they need to heal.

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Held Hostage In Syria: Sam Goodwin Survived 27 Days Of Darkness Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

While on a mission to visit all 193 countries, Sam Goodwin's journey took a sharp turn when he was abducted by the Syrian army in 2019. For 27 days, Sam was held in solitary confinement — being questioned repetitively by the Syrian regime who threatened to have ISIS behead him if he didn't confess to being a spy. Through faith and his family's unrelenting efforts to get Sam home, he survived.

Sam joins Ben to discuss how he remained resilient while in solitary confinement — never knowing when, or if, he would be released or killed. He also shares how his family worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure his release and why he refused to let this experience stop him from visiting all 193 countries, a goal he has now completed.

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