Advertise on podcast: Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

What happens when the life you knew suddenly disappears? US Navy veteran and Paralympic gold medalist Brad Snyder shares how his story of survival inspired his commitment to keep moving forward. He opens up about key lessons from his memoir, Fire in My Eyes, highlighting how fatherhood, community, and resilience have become the unshakeable pillars of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chief Executive of Maggie's and former cancer nurse Dame Laura Lee highlights her 30-year journey transforming cancer care across the United Kingdom. She shares how the legacy of Maggie Keswick Jencks helped build welcoming support centers designed around nature, community, and human connection rather than stark hospital corridors. Dame Laura reflects on the invaluable lessons she's learned from patients on facing existential fear, overcoming isolation, and finding genuine joy and hope in the present moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Your injury will always be part of your story, but it won't be the definition of you." — Itamar Gilboa Itamar Gilboa is a young Israeli soldier who survived 58 days of intense combat in Gaza following the terror attacks on October 7, 2023. After sustaining near-fatal injuries in a basement firefight and undergoing six months of recovery all while balancing being a caregiver for his mother, Itamar shares his extraordinary story of resilience and finding purpose in trauma. He reflects on his journey from the front lines to global advocacy, and what it takes to choose hope over resentment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 95,000 Americans need a new kidney, but early organ failure often shows no signs before it suddenly turns into a critical life or death situation. Father, former marathoner, and patient advocate Mark Whitmore suddenly found himself facing end-stage kidney failure, and now spends 10 hours a night on dialysis while searching for a living donor. Mark shares his diagnosis, his campaign that landed on a 22-story Times Square billboard, and how his fight inspired a broader movement to help others on the waitlist. Learn more about his journey and how to help at giftformark.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 16 million people suffer from preventable blindness, but simple surgeries could cure them all permanently. World-renowned eye surgeon and co-founder of the Cure Blindness Project, Dr. Geoff Tabin, shares how his work has restored sight to millions worldwide. He depicts his journey from conquering Mount Everest to running transformative, sight-restoring camps. Dr. Tabin discusses the importance of finding true purpose and passion, and what it really takes to change the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Dancing With The Stars to the New York Times bestseller list to the Paralympics, Amy Purdy is proof that the sky is not the limit. Benjamin revisits his conversation with Paralympian Amy Purdy as she highlights her book, Bounce Forward. Amy details her journey of losing both legs to meningitis at 19 and later surviving another life-threatening injury, sharing 21 tools to move from survival mode into a life of purpose. She discusses reclaiming your life after major setbacks, practicing vulnerability and gratitude, and recognizing that real growth happens during the climb itself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"You don't need us until you need us." A cancer diagnosis often brings overwhelming fear and isolation, but knowing what to say or do next can change everything. CEO of Cancer Support Community and a 25-year oncology healthcare veteran, Sally Werner, RN discusses the critical first steps after receiving a diagnosis, how to best support a loved one, and navigating hospice care. She answers common questions about cancer, potential cures, and the reasons behind a rise in young adult diagnoses. Sally also highlights how personalized immunotherapies are changing the future of cancer treatment and restoring quality of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Escaping the 81st floor on September 11, 2001, was only the beginning of Sujo John’s story. Twenty-five years after he and his pregnant wife narrowly survived the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, Sujo opens up about trauma, faith and purpose. He reflects on how his journey of survival influenced his life as a human rights advocate, and how his organization YouCanFreeUs is combating global human trafficking. Sujo shares how twenty-five years later he's determined to answer life's biggest question: What do you do with a second chance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From surviving a Ukrainian orphanage to becoming a 24-time Paralympic medalist, Oksana Masters embodies raw resilience. Ben revisits his captivating conversation with Oksana as she reveals how maternal love, sports, and a shift in perspective helped turn profound early trauma into an unstoppable drive, proving your past never limits your potential.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben revisits his captivating conversation with Paralympic gold medalist and ESPN host Victoria Arlen as she shares her raw and triumphant journey of recovery after surviving years "locked in" her own body. Her new book, ⁠The View Is Worth It⁠, serves as a roadmap for anyone who feels stuck, even after overcoming significant barriers. Original air date: May 4, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"We turned a hideous tragedy into something positive—James wasn't saved, but we are able to save thousands of other men in his name."Clare Milford Haven and her son Harry Wentworth-Stanley discuss losing Clare's eldest son James, who took his own life in 2006. Clare has since co-founded James' Place, a charity that provides rapid specialist support for men in suicidal crisis. They highlight the impact of suicide on families, the challenges of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in men, and the importance of fostering supportive environments for those in crisis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Military veteran and urban warfare expert John Spencer discusses his forthcoming book 20 Times I Almost Died: Life Lessons from the Edge of Survival. He explains how facing extreme stress reveals human character, why resilience is about refusing to quit in the face of crisis, and how humility can often be a powerful form of strength in high-stakes environments. John also explores the fine line between bravery and bravado and how navigating near-death experiences shapes your purpose and personal code for life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After surviving an IED blast in Iraq that caused 80% body burns and an arm amputation, Purple Heart recipient John Chrzanowski and his wife, Catherine, thought physical rehab was their biggest battle. But the hardest hurdle was asking for help when costs stacked up. Ahead of National Purple Heart Day, Benjamin speaks with John and Catherine for a candid conversation about breaking the veteran mental health stigma, the reality of full-time caregiving, and why seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Resilience really is about preparing yourself for difficult moments as well as learning from difficult moments."  Benjamin reflects on a recent health setback that temporarily put him back in a wheelchair and tested his own strength. Drawing from his personal recovery, he explores how unexpected hurdles offer a chance to practice resilience and adapt to new realities.He shares a heartfelt tribute to his everyday heroes, his wife and daughters, who quietly held everything together and proved that recovery is a journey shared with those we love.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a Ukrainian orphanage to the top of the global podium, 24-time Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters defines raw resilience. Born with severe radiation-induced birth defects and surviving early childhood trauma, Oksana reveals how a mother’s love and the power of sport transformed her pain into an unparalleled athletic drive. She shares how shifting her perspective allowed her to find light in the darkest hardships, proving that your past doesn't have to define your potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices