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It's Ben a Week

Ben McDonnell

"It’s Ben a Week" is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by actor and barrel racer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.

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S2 · E41
Tuesday · 29 min
Everything Has Ben a Scam
Apparently, everything is a scam. This week, Ben is solo—and he has a few things he needs to get off his chest. It starts with a routine service appointment for Ben’s electric vehicle, a tire-protection package that was supposed to make tire problems worry-free, and the discovery that apparently tires can be too worn out to qualify for the protection Ben specifically purchased for his tires. What follows is an increasingly ridiculous lesson in warranties, loopholes and why Ben is convinced we’ve all been hoodwinked. But the scams don’t stop with cars. Ben takes on health insurance, dental insurance, airline loyalty programs, timeshares and the endless parade of programs that sound incredible when someone is selling them—until you actually try to use the benefits you paid for. Then Ben has another realization: maybe everything isn’t becoming more annoying. Maybe he’s just getting old. Because somewhere along the way, everyone started saying things like “that sent me,” “I’m sat” and “bruh”—and Ben would simply like to know where everyone is being sent, why nobody can stand up, and who decided this was how we’re speaking now. And don’t even get him started on 6-7. Finally, Ben addresses what he’s been seeing now that he’s on television: internet trolls, hate comments and the incredible amount of effort some people are willing to dedicate to something—or someone—they claim to hate. Maybe we all need to spend a little less time being angry online and a little more time touching grass. In this episode: Why Ben thinks everything is a scam The $4,000 tire-protection saga Getting told his tires were too worn to be covered The ridiculous workaround that followed Why warranties seem amazing until you actually need them Health insurance and the bizarre world of medical pricing Why Ben questions whether dental insurance is worth it Airline status and chasing benefits that never seem to materialize The family timeshare that keeps changing the rules “That sent me” “I’m sat” Why “bruh” needs to stop What the hell does 6-7 actually mean? The horrifying realization that Ben may officially be getting old Internet trolls Experiencing online commentary while appearing on television Why some people need to touch grass Ben’s new philosophy: live and let live 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E40
October 6 · 59 min
The System Has Ben Failing Survivors (ft. Trisha LaFache)
This week’s It’s Ben A Week is a little different—and considerably more serious. Ben is joined by returning guest, friend, acting coach and criminal defense attorney Trisha LaFache for a conversation about sexual assault, college campuses, the criminal justice system and what happens when survivors believe the institutions designed to protect them have failed. The conversation was prompted in part by renewed national attention surrounding allegations that a former Cornell University student was drugged and sexually assaulted by fraternity members in 2024. After a civil lawsuit brought new scrutiny to the case, prosecutors reopened the criminal investigation and said the evidence would be presented to a grand jury. Rather than attempting to determine guilt or innocence on a podcast, Trisha draws on her experience as a criminal defense attorney to explain the legal process behind cases like these: the difference between a university investigation and a criminal investigation, probable cause versus proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the role of prosecutors and grand juries, and why she believes an emphasis on “winnable” cases can create serious problems for sexual-assault survivors. Ben and Trisha also discuss the complicated role social media can play—bringing attention to cases that may otherwise receive little scrutiny while also creating pressure, misinformation and competing narratives before the legal process is complete. And Trisha shares something deeply personal: she is herself a sexual-assault survivor who never reported what happened to her. The conversation ultimately becomes less about any single case and more about what needs to change: creating spaces where survivors feel safe speaking, teaching young people about consent, encouraging bystanders to intervene, and making sure people know where they can turn when something happens. Since this conversation was recorded: On October 2, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that Attorney General Letitia James would serve as special prosecutor in the Cornell investigation. The allegations remain under investigation, and the outcome of the criminal process has not been determined. 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E39
September 29 · 1 hr 1 min
Fear Has Always Ben His Superpower (ft. Corey Eubanks)
What does it take to survive more than four decades getting paid to crash cars, jump motorcycles, work with fire, horses and helicopters—and occasionally die on camera? Apparently, being scared. This week, Ben sits down with legendary Hollywood stuntman, stunt coordinator, actor, director and author Corey Eubanks, whose career spans more than 160 movies and over 1,200 episodes of television. From The Dukes of Hazzard and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure to Fast & Furious, Transformers, Rush Hour, The Wedding Planner and Mission: Impossible, chances are you’ve watched Corey work without ever realizing it. Corey takes Ben behind the scenes of a side of Hollywood most audiences never see: stunt performers being hospitalized, friends losing their lives, actors insisting on doing their own stunts and productions attempting sequences where one mistake can have catastrophic consequences. He shares what it was like doubling Tom Cruise, why Cruise really does perform many of his own stunts, and the wild story behind The Wedding Planner sequence that Matthew McConaughey’s team insisted he could perform—until Corey put him on a horse and discovered otherwise. The professional rodeo champion eventually hired for the stunt was himself dragged by a horse and sent to the hospital. Then there’s Corey’s most terrifying stunt: flipping a 21-ton prison bus three-and-a-half times at approximately 60 mph for Fast Five. Nobody could confidently predict whether the roll cage would withstand the impact, and Corey was concerned enough that he handed his life-insurance information to his children before filming. Ben and Corey also swap their own horseback stunt stories, discuss whether AI could eventually replace stunt performers, revisit Corey’s unusual path into Hollywood—including a little well-timed nepotism courtesy of his father, legendary game-show host Bob Eubanks—and talk about Corey’s transition from risking his life on camera to sharing what decades of stunt work taught him about fear, preparation and safety. In this episode: More than four decades of Hollywood stunt work Why being afraid may have saved Corey’s life Losing friends in the stunt industry Third-degree burns, broken bones and concussions Doubling Tom Cruise How much of his own stunt work Tom Cruise actually does Working with Jackie Chan The Matthew McConaughey stunt that Corey refused to let him perform A terrifying accident while filming The Wedding Planner Ben’s own horseback stunt experiences Flipping a 21-ton prison bus for Fast Five Handing his life-insurance information to his children before a stunt Corey’s near miss with a helicopter blade The deaths and injuries audiences never hear about Whether AI could eventually replace stunt performers Working with Michael Bay on Transformers Growing up as Bob Eubanks’ son The nepotism that finally opened Corey’s first major door Jumping the General Lee on The Dukes of Hazzard Why Corey finally has nothing left to prove His book Dying for a Living What’s next for Corey Eubanks Want to learn more about Corey Eubanks, his incredible career in Hollywood, and the stories behind some of the biggest stunts ever put on film? Visit Corey’s website to connect with him, learn more about his speaking engagements, and purchase his book, Dying for a Living, where he shares stories from his decades-long career as a Hollywood stuntman. Visit: coreymeubanks.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
- Transcript
S2 · E38
September 22 · 40 min
It’s Ben a Long Road (ft. AJ & Joy)
Joy is back at the ranch—and this time AJ is joining the entire episode. Fresh off Ben’s Traitors: New Blood premiere party, the three chat about a week filled with friends, cocktails, cookies with Ben’s face on them, cakes with Ben’s face on them and, apparently, just about anything else they could possibly put Ben’s face on. But Joy’s visit brings back one particularly chaotic memory: the time she helped Ben and AJ move from Los Angeles to Texas during COVID. After U-Haul informed them that their “reservation” didn’t necessarily mean there would actually be a truck available, the plan quickly unraveled. A Penske truck was secured, AJ’s car suddenly needed a driver, and Joy—mid-walk in Beverly Hills—somehow agreed to drive it to Texas. What she thought would be a relatively manageable road trip turned into a 21-hour first day involving horses, dogs, a cat named Annabelle, a truck that could barely make it up hills, gas-station confusion, two panic attacks, fears of the cartel, sleeping in a horse trailer and discovering that simply reaching Texas did not mean they were anywhere close to Granbury. And the chaos didn’t end when they arrived. Ben promptly learned how not to operate his new swimming pool by heating the entire thing to nearly 100 degrees, draining the property’s propane tank overnight and leaving everyone without hot water—all for approximately fifteen minutes in the pool. The conversation eventually makes its way back to the present: Joy’s obsession with Patrick the cat, why guests at Ben and AJ’s ranch eventually become unpaid farmhands, another koi pond rebuild, experiencing Ben’s television premiere together, and the people, animals and little things bringing everyone some much-needed joy. In this episode: Joy returns to the ranch Recapping Ben’s premiere party The Whitney Houston cocktail Joy’s newest love: Patrick the cat The disastrous LA-to-Texas move U-Haul’s questionable definition of a “reservation” How Joy accidentally became part of the moving crew A 15-hour drive that became 21 hours AJ’s Penske truck that could barely climb a hill Traveling across the country with horses, dogs and a cat Joy’s two road-trip panic attacks Surviving El Paso 😂 Sleeping in a horse trailer Finally arriving at the new ranch Ben accidentally heating the pool to nearly 100 degrees Draining an entire propane tank overnight Why Joy is allowed to stay longer than most houseguests The ranch’s three requirements for an indoor cat Experiencing premiere night together What is bringing everyone joy right now 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E37
September 15 · 26 min
It’s All Ben Leading Up to This
It’s officially premiere week. After months of filming, waiting, keeping secrets and counting down the days, Ben is just two days away from the premiere of The Traitors: New Blood—and it’s finally starting to feel real. This week, Ben reflects on what it feels like to finally reach a moment he’s spent years working toward. From seeing himself on billboards and magazine covers to getting recognized in public, becoming a meme and discovering just how deeply Traitors fans will investigate someone’s life online, the experience has been exciting, surreal—and occasionally terrifying. But for Ben, this moment represents something much bigger than appearing on a reality show. After years of acting, auditions, rejection, photography, podcasting and trying to build a career in entertainment, it’s an opportunity to do the thing he’s always wanted to do on a bigger scale: make people laugh. And with plenty of new people about to discover the podcast, Ben gives everyone a proper introduction to the life behind the cowboy hat: growing up in Minnesota, moving to Los Angeles, acting, becoming a headshot photographer, barrel racing, meeting AJ, buying a Texas ranch over FaceTime and somehow ending up with more than 70 animals. Then AJ joins Been There, Done That for a premiere-week check-in involving Ben’s now-famous cowboy hats, a potential new business venture, rescue kittens, a bakery employee who didn’t recognize Ben from his own professionally retouched photo, Ben becoming a meme, the temptation to read comments online—and, naturally, another complete redesign of the koi pond. The waiting is over. The train has left the station. Here we go. In this episode: The Traitors: New Blood premiere week What it feels like for Ben to finally reach this moment Why he’s trying not to wish the experience away Becoming recognizable in public for the first time Seeing himself on billboards, magazine covers and memes The good—and very bad—side of reading comments online Why making people laugh has always been the real dream A reintroduction to Ben for new listeners Growing up in Minnesota and moving to Los Angeles Acting, photography, barrel racing and podcasting Buying a Texas ranch over FaceTime Life with more than 70 animals AJ’s custom cowboy hats The bakery employee who didn’t recognize Ben from his own photo 😂 Becoming a meme AJ’s advice about staying off Reddit Why Ben is rebuilding the koi pond… again Getting ready for premiere night 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E36
September 8 · 39 min
There’s Ben a Tumor Named Bubba (ft. Risa August)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with author, speaker and endurance athlete Risa August for an incredible conversation about what happens when the life you carefully planned suddenly takes a completely different road. For nearly seven years, Risa knew something in her body wasn’t right. Despite unexplained weight gain, headaches, changes in her body and eventually debilitating symptoms, she says she was repeatedly told by doctors that she was fine. Finally, Risa insisted on an MRI—and one week later learned she had a tumor at the base of her brain and a rare disease called acromegaly. Brain surgery removed part of the tumor, but doctors discovered the remaining portion was wrapped around her carotid artery and couldn’t safely be removed. Faced with radiation, lifelong medication and a body she no longer recognized, Risa found herself sitting on her couch in a pair of “gnarly gray sweatpants” wondering what her life was supposed to look like now. Then she asked herself a different question: What can I do? Her answer? Ride a bicycle from Canada to Mexico. Risa shares how that 41-day journey changed her relationship with her body, perfectionism and the expectations she’d spent much of her life trying to meet. She also introduces Ben to “Bubba”—the name she gave the tumor she still lives with today—and explains why humor became part of how she reclaimed ownership over something that once terrified her. Ben and Risa talk about medical self-advocacy, resilience, humor as a coping mechanism, letting go of perfection, taking life’s biggest goals one tiny step at a time, and why changing your life doesn’t necessarily require changing everything overnight. In this episode: The symptoms Risa experienced for nearly seven years before her diagnosis Why she finally insisted that her doctor order an MRI Learning she had a brain tumor and acromegaly Brain surgery, radiation and discovering part of the tumor was inoperable Why Risa named her remaining tumor “Bubba” Going from Ironman athlete to struggling to get off the couch The “gnarly gray sweatpants” moment that changed her perspective Deciding to bike from Canada to Mexico Riding for 41 days with only a handful of rest days Letting go of perfection and the person she thought she was supposed to be Why humor can be powerful during life’s darkest moments The difference between a huge life change and taking one small step Risa’s award-winning book The Road Unpaved Choosing what “living” looks like every single day Learn more about Risa and follow her journey: Website: https://www.risaaugust.com Instagram: @risaunleashed https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/ TEDx Talk — “How a Single Word CAN Rebuild Your Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK9SITnpvcA 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E35
September 1 · 1 hr 8 min
Success Has Never Ben a Straight Line (ft. Debra Berman)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with friend—and AJ’s former boss—Debra Berman, a powerhouse marketing executive whose career has taken her from advertising and consumer brands to serving as Chief Marketing Officer of JCPenney and Yahoo! Debra takes Ben inside the career journey that eventually brought her to the C-suite, from working on household brands like Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Maybelline and Bacardi to helping rebuild JCPenney’s relationship with its customers during a critical period for the company. She shares what it was like walking into a room of more than 400 employees on her first day, the importance of making leadership human, and how her team used bold marketing—including an intentionally typo-filled Olympics campaign—to get people talking about JCPenney again. Then Deb shares how an unexpected speaking engagement helped lead to an opportunity at Yahoo, where she joined during one of the most fascinating chapters in the company’s history. She and Ben discuss working alongside Marissa Mayer, the changing role of digital marketing, the eventual sale to Verizon, and how Deb discovered a certain employee named AJ who would become an integral part of her team—and eventually Ben’s husband. Deb also gets candid about navigating corporate America as a woman, the pay disparities she believes existed throughout her career, why becoming CEO was never the goal, and the advice she gives anyone wondering how to take the next step professionally. Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: stop obsessing over titles, do the work, stay curious, and choose opportunities that give you more than one possible path forward. Then on Been There, Done That, AJ joins Ben to reflect on working with Deb at Yahoo, why colleagues once called him the “Deb whisperer,” and the importance of truly listening to the people around you. The conversation expands into creativity, branding in the age of AI, why great creative work still requires human judgment—and ends with AJ revealing a little piece of Yahoo history: he’s the voice behind the Yahoo yodel. In this episode: Deb’s journey from advertising to the C-suite Working on some of America’s most recognizable consumer brands Taking over marketing at JCPenney during a major turnaround The intentionally misspelled Olympics campaign that got everyone talking Why career success doesn’t always happen on your terms How one speaking engagement unexpectedly led to Yahoo Working with Marissa Mayer and navigating Yahoo’s sale to Verizon How Deb discovered AJ inside Yahoo Deb’s experience as a woman climbing the corporate ladder Why she believes women still have work to do when it comes to equal pay Why she never focused on becoming a CMO Three pieces of advice for anyone feeling stuck in their career Why AJ was known as the “Deb whisperer” Branding and creativity in the age of AI Why human judgment still matters The story behind AJ becoming the voice of the Yahoo yodel 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E34
August 25 · 40 min
It’s Ben a KAOTIC Summer
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is back from three weeks in Europe—and before he can talk about the incredible vacation, he has a few things to get off his chest about getting there and back. From overweight luggage and sweltering jet bridges to questionable international business-class service, missed connections, sprinting through the Philadelphia airport, getting separated from AJ, missing bags, and a compensation battle that came down to just four minutes, Ben has some thoughts for American Airlines. And yes, he fully acknowledges these are first-class problems. Ben also talks about the whirlwind following his Traitors: New Blood announcement, getting recognized in public for the first time, some interesting new auditions—and, most importantly, the return of the pumpkin cream cold brew. Then AJ joins Been There, Done That to recap their unforgettable three-week European adventure aboard their friends’ yacht, KAOS. From thunderstorms at the Acropolis and dancing in Mykonos to helicopter rides over Santorini, visiting the hotel from The White Lotus in Sicily, drinking entirely too much sake in Capri, partying beside an erupting volcano, and making their way through St. Tropez, they revisit some of the most unbelievable moments of the summer. And because coming home to the ranch can never be simple, Ben and AJ introduce the newest member of the family: Sally the duck—who promptly disappeared for three days before staging a miraculous return from underneath a hay pallet. Airline drama, yachts, volcanoes, sake, pumpkin cold foam and a missing duck. Somehow, it’s all Ben a week. In this episode: Life after the Traitors: New Blood cast announcement Ben’s first time being recognized in public for the show Ben’s grievances with international air travel The 19-hour journey home from Europe Getting separated from AJ after a missed connection Why four minutes became a $300 argument Ben’s thoughts on airline status and loyalty programs The proper way to order a pumpkin cream cold brew Three weeks aboard KAOS Zeus crashing their visit to the Acropolis Mykonos, Santorini and a helicopter adventure Visiting The White Lotus hotel in Sicily Ben accidentally taking 12 shots of sake in Capri Club KAOS and an erupting volcano St. Tropez, beach clubs and an unforgettable Euro summer Sally the duck’s three-day disappearance AJ’s upcoming National Anthem performance 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E33
August 25 · 33 min
The Secret Has Finally Ben Revealed
This week on It’s Ben A Week, the secret is FINALLY out: Ben is officially joining the cast of The Traitors: New Blood, premiering September 17th on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock! After months of keeping one of the biggest secrets of his life, Ben can finally talk about traveling to Scotland, entering the castle, and becoming one of 22 contestants on the first U.S. civilian season of the hit competition series. As a longtime fan of The Traitors, Ben breaks down how the game works, explains Faithfuls, Traitors, murders, banishments and the infamous Round Table, and shares what it feels like to go from binge-watching the show at home to actually becoming part of it. Ben also reflects on the journey that brought him here. Just months before filming, he recorded an episode about rejection and wondering when his next “yes” would finally come. Now, after one of the most mentally, physically and emotionally challenging experiences of his life, Ben opens up about feeling like years of hard work may finally be leading to his moment. Then AJ joins Been There, Done That to reveal what it was like keeping Ben’s secret, convincing everyone he was away filming a Christmas movie, and holding down the ranch while Ben disappeared to Scotland. They also talk about discovering The Traitors together, why AJ thinks he’d make an incredible Traitor, and what they’re most excited—and nervous—to see when the finished episodes finally air. The game has already been played. The secrets have been kept. Now it’s finally time to watch it all unfold. In this episode: Ben officially announces The Traitors: New Blood How The Traitors actually works Going from superfan to contestant Filming in Scotland and experiencing the game firsthand Why Ben decided to say yes to reality television Looking back at rejection before getting one enormous “yes” Why this experience feels like a major turning point What Ben can—and definitely cannot—reveal before the premiere AJ’s elaborate Christmas-movie cover story Whether AJ would make a better Faithful or Traitor The nerves of waiting to see how everything was edited What listeners can expect from It’s Ben A Week throughout the season 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E33
August 18 · 33 min
The Secret Has Finally Ben Revealed
This week on It’s Ben A Week, the secret is FINALLY out: Ben is officially joining the cast of The Traitors: New Blood, premiering September 17th on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock! After months of keeping one of the biggest secrets of his life, Ben can finally talk about traveling to Scotland, entering the castle, and becoming one of 22 contestants on the first U.S. civilian season of the hit competition series. As a longtime fan of The Traitors, Ben breaks down how the game works, explains Faithfuls, Traitors, murders, banishments and the infamous Round Table, and shares what it feels like to go from binge-watching the show at home to actually becoming part of it. Ben also reflects on the journey that brought him here. Just months before filming, he recorded an episode about rejection and wondering when his next “yes” would finally come. Now, after one of the most mentally, physically and emotionally challenging experiences of his life, Ben opens up about feeling like years of hard work may finally be leading to his moment. Then AJ joins Been There, Done That to reveal what it was like keeping Ben’s secret, convincing everyone he was away filming a Christmas movie, and holding down the ranch while Ben disappeared to Scotland. They also talk about discovering The Traitors together, why AJ thinks he’d make an incredible Traitor, and what they’re most excited—and nervous—to see when the finished episodes finally air. The game has already been played. The secrets have been kept. Now it’s finally time to watch it all unfold. In this episode: Ben officially announces The Traitors: New Blood How The Traitors actually works Going from superfan to contestant Filming in Scotland and experiencing the game firsthand Why Ben decided to say yes to reality television Looking back at rejection before getting one enormous “yes” Why this experience feels like a major turning point What Ben can—and definitely cannot—reveal before the premiere AJ’s elaborate Christmas-movie cover story Whether AJ would make a better Faithful or Traitor The nerves of waiting to see how everything was edited What listeners can expect from It’s Ben A Week throughout the season 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E32
August 11 · 44 min
Nothing Has Ever Ben This Toxic (ft. Sydnee Carter)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by fellow barrel racer and friend Sydnee Carter for an episode dedicated to exes, cheating, red flags, and one breakup story that quickly turns into something straight out of a true-crime documentary. Ben kicks things off by revisiting some of his worst relationships—from discovering a boyfriend cheating through messages on a forgotten laptop and confronting him outside a hotel room, to catching another boyfriend swiping on Tinder while they were sitting together in first class on the way to Mexico. Through it all, Ben reflects on the strange intuition that told him something was wrong before he ever had proof. Then Sydney shares a breakup story that takes the episode in an entirely different direction. After ending an on-again, off-again relationship, her ex’s behavior began escalating—from showing up unexpectedly and contacting friends and family to appearing at places she was dating someone new. Then Sydney’s neighbor spotted a man dressed entirely in black running across her property. Police searched Sydney’s home and discovered a hidden camera in her bedroom. Then Sydney found another. And another. What followed was a years-long ordeal involving police investigations, fingerprints, protective orders, another arrest, probation, allegations of similar behavior involving another woman, and ultimately a shocking prison sentence. Ben and Sydney unpack how relationships can change after a breakup, why people ignore obvious warning signs, the importance of trusting your intuition, and the unsettling reality that sometimes you don’t fully know how someone will react until a relationship ends. This episode starts with bad-boyfriend stories and somehow ends in a courtroom. Buckle up. In this episode: Ben’s history of being cheated on The gut feeling that told Ben something wasn’t right Confronting an ex outside a hotel after watching his messages in real time Catching a boyfriend using Tinder on the way to Mexico Sydney’s toxic on-again, off-again relationship When her ex’s behavior began escalating after their breakup Discovering three hidden cameras inside her home The police investigation and protective order that followed Why trusting your gut—and paying attention to red flags—matters 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E31
August 4 · 48 min
Ben Dropping the Beat (ft. Remington Runyan)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with 18-year-old DJ and producer Remington Runyan to talk about discovering a passion for music, performing at iconic venues, and chasing a dream that’s only just beginning. Ben first met Remington years ago through family friends, but after watching him unexpectedly take over the DJ booth at Nikki Beach in St. Barths, he knew there was something special happening. Remington shares how a DJ controller he barely touched for two years became the start of a new obsession after the California wildfires forced his family to evacuate. With the help of friends, countless hours of practice, and a growing love for house music, he quickly found himself playing parties, beach clubs, and even one of the most iconic venues in the Caribbean. The two also discuss: how DJs read a crowd why song selection is more important than people realize the truth about pre-recorded DJ sets producing original music Coachella dreams and what it feels like to perform for hundreds of people. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply curious about the world of electronic music, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a creative career from the ground up. Stay connected with Remington: 🌐 Website: www.remingtonrunyan.com 📸 Instagram: @remingtonrunyan 🎧 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
- Transcript
S2 · E30
July 28 · 40 min
Ben Living Every Day (ft. Diane Love)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with his dear friend Diane Love for one of the most heartfelt conversations of the season. The two first met in Cabo San Lucas over poolside cocktails and an unforgettable Beyoncé dance party. But behind Diane’s infectious energy is a story of unimaginable loss, resilience, and choosing joy every single day. Diane shares the story of her son Wyatt, who was diagnosed as a child with the rare genetic disease Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Doctors warned he might not live past the age of 10, but Wyatt defied expectations—traveling the world, competing in gymnastics, attending college, and embracing life with remarkable courage. Then, at just 22 years old, Wyatt’s life was tragically cut short in a Lyft accident after a newly approved driver became lost on the way home. Diane opens up about the heartbreaking night she lost her son, the years-long legal battle that followed, and why she now encourages every rideshare passenger to check their driver’s experience before getting into the car. Ben and Diane also discuss: trusting your intuition grieving differently finding humor after unimaginable loss faith and healing living fully despite uncertainty and why every day deserves to be celebrated. Despite experiencing profound heartbreak, Diane continues to inspire others through advocacy, fundraising for ALD research, and her commitment to choosing joy every day. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that life is fragile—and worth living to its fullest. For more information on ALD and to help check out www.cureald.org 🎧 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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S2 · E29
July 21 · 26 min
Explosive Diarrhea Has Ben Going Around
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben tackles one of life’s greatest inconveniences: grocery shopping. What starts as frustration over a parasite outbreak linked to lettuce quickly turns into a full-blown breakdown of everything that’s wrong with the modern grocery store experience. From fluorescent lighting and mysteriously rearranged aisles to self-checkout machines that never work, wandering shopping carts, awkward parking lot conversations, and the ongoing debate over who actually returns their cart, Ben hilariously dissects every step of the weekly grocery run. Along the way, he shares his thoughts on: the lettuce parasite outbreak why grocery stores feel like casinos self-checkout becoming a part-time job shopping cart etiquette people who block entire aisles grocery store fashion choices and why running into acquaintances is somehow the worst part of the entire experience. If you’ve ever found yourself arguing with a self-checkout machine or silently judging someone who abandoned their shopping cart, 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
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S2 · E28
July 14 · 58 min
Ben Through Nine Lives (ft. Dr. Sally Everett)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his favorite people—and the veterinarian responsible for saving more of his animals than he can count—Dr. Sally Everett from the Granbury Animal Clinic. The two look back on the unbelievable story that started their friendship after Ben and AJ’s tiny barn cat, Chrissy, suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that left her intestines literally hanging out. Against all odds, Sally saved her life, and the rest is history. From there, the stories only get crazier. Ben and Sally revisit Phil the pig’s complicated surgery, custom diapers for a cat, late-night emergency vet visits, Christmas concerts, Mariah Carey, Pete’s Piano Bar, party buses, inside jokes, and the unforgettable nights that turned a veterinarian into one of their closest friends. Later, AJ joins the aftershow to share even more behind-the-scenes stories, including the clinic appreciation party that lasted until 2 a.m., Hendrix’s dental surgery, and why Sally has officially become part of the family. This episode is hilarious, heartfelt, and full of stories that prove life is always more entertaining when animals—and good friends—are involved. In this episode: How Sally saved Chrissy the barn cat’s life The emergency surgery that started a lifelong friendship Phil the pig’s surprisingly complicated surgery The custom diapers made for a tiny bobtail cat Emergency vet visits and life with dozens of animals Mariah Carey concerts and the quest for better seats Pete’s Piano Bar, bottle service, and unforgettable nights out Hendrix’s dental surgery and why dog teeth matter The funniest and strangest moments from life at a veterinary clinic 🎧 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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S2 · E27
July 7 · 40 min
Red, White & Ben 🇺🇸
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben kicks off the episode by honoring a dear friend of the podcast, Heidi, whose courage, humor, and zest for life left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Ben reflects on her battle with cancer, the importance of living life fully, and why she’ll always be remembered. Then… the chaos begins. What was supposed to be a relaxing Fourth of July pool party quickly turned into one of the most expensive weekends Ben has ever had. Between a broken pool robot, a massive hornet nest, a snapped sprinkler line, an exploding air conditioner, a mysteriously green swimming pool, a draining koi pond, and a horse trailer that nearly caught fire, it truly became a weekend to remember. Along the way, Ben also shares his completely unfiltered opinions on: why Thanksgiving is overrated Black Friday shopping fireworks hot dogs owning a home and why he’d happily trade it all for condo living. Later, AJ joins the aftershow to recap the Fourth of July weekend, celebrate Heidi’s life, debate homeownership, and call Ben out for his online shopping habits. This episode is heartfelt, hilarious, chaotic, and proof that when it rains… it pours. In this episode: Remembering Heidi and the legacy she leaves behind Why Fourth of July isn’t Ben’s favorite holiday The truth about Black Friday shopping Why fireworks aren’t as exciting anymore A Fourth of July weekend filled with expensive home disasters The mystery of the green swimming pool Why homeownership sometimes feels like a full-time job AJ’s thoughts on ranch life, maintenance, and online shopping 🎧 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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S2 · E26
June 30 · 54 min
Deja Ben (ft. Sherry Harris)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben welcomes back fan-favorite guest Sherry Harris for one of their most unpredictable conversations yet. What starts as a debate about Texas drivers quickly spirals into a hilarious and surprisingly deep discussion about déjà vu, wildlife, near-death experiences, fear of dying, AI, prison, Pride Month, and everything in between. Ben and Sherry swap stories about living in small-town Texas, dodging turkeys, porcupines, snakes, tarantulas, and other unexpected wildlife before diving into bigger questions about life, aging, time, and what might happen after we die. Later, AJ joins Ben for the aftershow to talk about his brand-new perm, spray tans before vacation, hair insecurities, why Sherry is one of their favorite guests, and the importance of self-confidence. The conversation wraps with a thoughtful discussion about Pride Month, identity, religion, and why acceptance matters. This episode is funny, philosophical, chaotic, and proof that the best conversations are often the ones with no agenda. In this episode: Why Texans still don’t know how to use a yield lane Growing pains as Granbury continues to grow Turkeys, porcupines, snakes, tarantulas, and Texas wildlife Déjà vu, dreams, and theories about the brain Near-death experiences and the fear of dying AI, deepfakes, and fears about the future AJ’s new perm and vacation prep Self-confidence, identity, and finding comfort in who you are A candid conversation about Pride Month and acceptance 🎧 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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S2 · E25
June 23 · 38 min
Ben Microneedled & Over-Served (ft. Laura)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his closest friends, Laura, for a conversation that quickly goes off the rails — and that’s before the cocktails really kick in. After opening the episode with a rant about people who keep their phones on Do Not Disturb, and addressing a decades-old rumor from his Minnesota barrel racing days, Ben welcomes Laura back to the podcast for a hilarious, completely unfiltered catch-up. Together, Ben and Laura dive into: Why people having their phones on Do Not Disturb drives Ben absolutely insane A barrel racing rumor that somehow refuses to die Being a “gold star gay” and why strangers remain fascinated by Ben’s love life Ben’s latest skincare obsession: microneedling and salmon sperm treatments The beauty procedures people will try in the name of looking younger Friendship, aging, and the ridiculous things we convince ourselves to spend money on Family stories that somehow get more unbelievable every year Horse life, ranch life, and growing up in Minnesota Pop culture, random observations, and several conversations that should probably have stayed off-mic Why some friendships are built entirely on making each other laugh As always, the conversation bounces between heartfelt, ridiculous, and completely inappropriate with very little warning. Pour yourself a drink and join Ben and Laura for one of the most relaxed and funniest episodes of Season 2 so far. 🎧 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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S2 · E24
June 16 · 38 min
It’s Ben a Minute
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is finally back after more than a month away from the podcast—and a LOT has happened. After weeks of pre-recorded episodes, Ben returns to share what life has been like while working on exciting new projects, filming a movie in Palm Springs, and navigating opportunities he can’t quite talk about yet. While some details have to remain under wraps for now, Ben reflects on how quickly life can change when things don’t go according to plan. From losing out on a lead role to landing opportunities that ended up being an even better fit, Ben opens up about rejection, redirection, trusting the process, and why sometimes the things that don’t work out are exactly what lead you where you’re supposed to be. Later, AJ joins the podcast to discuss surviving a month alone on the ranch with 70+ animals, battling koi pond disasters, debating whether their miniature cow is overweight, and diving headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence. The two also discuss: filming a gay cowboy movie while playing the straight cowboy airport frustrations and airline baggage drama AI becoming AJ’s newest obsession Machine Gun Kelly and Demi Lovato concerts life on the ranch without Ben why everything happens for a reason and what might be next for both of them This episode is funny, reflective, hopeful, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities come after the biggest disappointments. 🎧 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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S2 · E23
June 9 · 25 min
We've Ben Out Loud & Laughing (ft. Bryan & Jon)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined once again by fan favorites Bryan and Jon from the Out Loud & Laughing podcast for another chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation. The trio dives into everything from growing up as theater kids and making homemade movies before TikTok existed, to navigating Hollywood as gay entertainers and learning how to turn creativity into a career. Ben opens up about moving to Los Angeles at 18, getting humbled by the entertainment industry, turning down advertising job offers to pursue acting, and why podcasting gave him a level of creative control he never found in traditional acting jobs. They also discuss: being gay in Hollywood auditioning for straight vs. gay roles building a successful podcast childhood obsession with The Sims and Rollercoaster Tycoon Disney adults bathhouses Dolly Parton anxiety Broadway crushes and why humor matters more than almost anything else The episode wraps with a chaotic round of “This or That,” featuring questions about boxers vs. briefs, pitching vs. catching, baths vs. showers, and whether Ben would rather be remembered for his humor or his heart. This episode is nostalgic, unfiltered, gay, hilarious, and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations happen when friends are just talking shit. In this episode: Growing up making homemade movies before social media Ben’s journey from Minnesota to Hollywood Turning down advertising jobs to become an actor The reality of being a working actor in Hollywood Podcasting vs. acting and creative control Being openly gay in entertainment The Sims, Rollercoaster Tycoon, and Disney adult culture Satan’s asshole weather in Texas and Florida A chaotic “This or That” game about sex, Broadway, and baths Follow Out Loud & Laughing: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outloudandlaughing/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-loud-laughing/id1791165133 🎧 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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