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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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  • 24 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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  • S2 · E17
    April 28 · 23 min

    Customer Service Has Ben a Nightmare

    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

    • Transcript
  • S2 · E16
    April 21 · 50 min

    The Fire Has Ben Building (ft. Eleven)

    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 🎧 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 · E15
    April 14 · 39 min

    Connection Has Ben Missing (ft. Melissa Daniels)

    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 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 · E14
    April 7 · 1 hr 8 min

    We've All Ben Through Trauma (ft. Camryn Watson)

    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: 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
Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes