Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transition from serving full-time in the military to stepping into civilian life can be challenging for veterans, from adapting to life at home to the societal pressure to have it all together. Fortunately, there are organizations and individuals across the country calling out this stigma and working to ensure veterans can find hope and purpose. President and CEO of America's Warrior Partnership, retired Lieutenant Colonel Jim Lorraine, joins Benjamin to discuss how his non-profit organization goes the extra mile to reach veterans who may be struggling but don't know how to ask for help. He also shares how caring for his wife, Becky, a fellow veteran living with epilepsy and breast cancer, has taught him about additional life-saving organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project — which helps America's heroes navigate the healthcare system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a former NASA astronaut, engineer, and F-14 fighter jet pilot, Scott Kelly's story is out of this world in more ways than one. Between the groundbreaking missions he's been a part of with his identical twin brother, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and spending over 500 days in space, Scott has inevitably learned a thing or two about staying mentally strong, striving for greatness, and remaining curious about the world. Scott joins Benjamin to share his thoughts on what it's like preparing for space exploration, and where he believes the nation currently stands on the desire for both individual and societal progress. He also shares the current work he's doing with Nova Ukraine, a nonprofit organization providing humanitarian aid, education, and resources to the people of Ukraine. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode, Benjamin is answering a few of your questions! From discussing his mental and physical recovery, his thoughts on forgiveness after experiencing the horrific reality of war to what it was like attending the Paris 2024 Olympics last weekend. He also shares how his opinion on resilience, one of the essential themes of the podcast, continues to change and grow as he speaks to more people every week. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 7th marked National Purple Heart Day — a day where we honor the men and women who were wounded or lost lives their lives while valiantly serving in the military. For retired Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Gade, two-time Purple Heart Medal recipient, it's a day to remember his brothers and sisters in combat who didn't make it back from overseas and emphasize how important proper support is for veterans. Today, Lt. Gade, who currently serves as an Advisory Council Member at America's Warrior Partnership, joins Ben to discuss the two injuries that led to his Purple Hearts, including being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and IED that led him to lose his leg. He opens about the difficult mental and physical transition he faced when entering civilian life and why his experience with the VA disability system led him to write his book, 'Wounding Warriors: How Bad Policy Is Making Veterans," detailing his experience with Veteran Affairs and their role in transitioning soldiers home. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Howie Sanborn's life, in many ways, was defined by movement — from his 15 years as a U.S. Airborne Ranger and his spot on the U.S. Army Parachute Team to his love for competing in triathlons. Then came September 2012. After being struck by a distracted driver while cycling with a friend left him paralyzed from the waist down, Howie knew his life would drastically change — but he refused to let that change be for the worse. Within seven months, he went from a hospital bed to competing in his first triathlon in a wheelchair. Fast forward to 2024, Howie's headed to Paris to represent the U.S. at the Paralympics. Today, Howie Sanborn joins Ben to discuss how, with the help of Semper Fi & America's Fund, he was able to adjust so quickly after his life-altering accident while also processing extensive grief, the importance of setting tangible goals to succeed, and what his mindset is as he prepares for the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Close to 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care, many are being moved from home to home in need of a bag to hold all their belongings. Cara Finger saw firsthand how many of the children she was fostering were bringing their belongings to her house in a garbage bag, she knew that there needed to be a solution. Founder of My Bag, My Story Cara Finger joins Ben for an important conversation about the foster care system and why she decided to create her own non-profit to help children in foster care. My Bag, My Story's mission is to improve the lives of children in foster care one bag at a time. With every bag purchased, one bag is donated to a child in foster care...elevating their sense of self-worth and dignity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 11, 2013, Nick Lavery's life was transformed forever when on active duty in Afghanistan his detachment was attacked, and he lost his leg. Miraculously, he recovered and went on to do the unthinkable, becoming the first Special Forces operator to return to combat as an above-the-knee amputee. Since then, Nick has gone on to find power in his pain and dedicated his life to enabling others to recognize their purpose. Green Beret in U.S. Army Special Forces and CEO of Precision Components LLC, Nick Lavery joins Ben to discuss his journey from serving in Afghanistan to becoming a successful entrepreneur helping others learn and build resilience. He describes how he is implementing resilience in his own kids and why having a team is essential to helping find your inner strength. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roughly three million Americans live with a stutter, with many suffering in silence -- fearing potential judgement, being told it 'isn't a big deal,' or not knowing where to go for resources. Former NBA Basketball Player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist knows this suffering all too well, especially after being thrown in the limelight of professional sports. So now, he's made it his mission to provide resources, educate, and break the stigma around stutters. Michael joins Ben to discuss how his stutter has deeply impacted his life and why it led him to create 'Change & Impact,' a non-profit that educates, raises awareness, and provides resources for those with stutters. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Joseph Alderete was one of the first faces Benjamin saw when he landed on American soil after being rescued from Ukraine in 2022. From that moment, Dr. Alderete played an integral role in Benjamin’s recovery, not only rebuilding his strength but spirit. Benjamin shares his conversation with Head of Orthopedic Oncology at the Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Joseph Alderete, where they discuss his career and experience treating patients with severe trauma injuries. Later, Dr. Alderete details how he finds the strength and words to encourage patients who have been through the unthinkable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Lucy Hone set off on an academic journey to study the science behind resilience psychology. Little did she know, her grief would one day become her biggest research subject. After tragically losing her twelve-year-old daughter Abi in a car accident, Dr. Hone had to take everything she studied about the science of resilience, healing, and the human brain to relearn how to live after her devastating loss. Now, Dr. Hone has shared her secrets with millions of people across the globe -- writing the award-winning book, 'Resilient Grieving,' giving the viral TEDTalk, 'The three secrets of resilient people' that has amassed 2.3 million views, and co-creating 'Coping with Loss,' a collection of programs helping people handle their grief in ways most effective for them. Follow Benjamin on X: @BenjaminHallFNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices