Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall

Shot six times while shielding his children, Elon Zizer reveals the split-second decision that saved his family during the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia. He recounts that terrifying day and the "hidden strength" that allowed him to survive the unthinkable, from using his body as a shield to the heroism of strangers who stepped in to save lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hendricks Chapel is more than just a campus landmark it's a spiritual home away from home for the Syracuse University community. In this final episode of America’s Churches, Benjamin Hall visits Syracuse University to explore Hendricks Chapel, "the spiritual heartbeat" of the campus that has served as a welcoming interfaith refuge since the late 1920s. He discovers how the chapel integrates faith into every aspect of university life, from supporting student-athletes on the field to providing a sanctuary for healing and unity during the community's darkest chapters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a city that weathered many storms, one sanctuary remains an anchor of faith. In this second episode of the FOX Nation special America’s Churches, Benjamin Hall travels to the heart of New Orleans to explore St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest active cathedral in continuous use in the United States. He highlights the cathedral’s role as a pillar of resilience, discovering how its history of rebuilding after fires and hurricanes mirrors the unbreakable spirit and faith of the city itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Faith meets the front lines in the FOX Nation special America's Churches. Join Benjamin Hall as he explores the iconic U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, Brigade of Midshipmen Chapel, where the intersection of faith and service shapes the next generation of military leaders. He discovers how the sanctuary's historic architecture serves as a beacon of light and a source of strength for midshipmen facing their hardest moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gary Sinise shares his deep commitment to service, inspired by the Vietnam veterans in his own family and his iconic portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in the film Forrest Gump. He explains why the terror attacks on 9/11 was a turning point in his life and a call to action to support military members deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"You can't have courage without fear." - Jason Everson Lieutenant Commander Jason Everson, First Battalion Chaplain at the United States Naval Academy, dives into the powerful role of spiritual readiness as an essential pillar of a midshipman’s life. He explores the sacred brotherhood of military service and reflects on a profound moment his faith was tested while submerged in a submarine. He also shares his belief that courage requires inherent fear; otherwise, the act would simply be ordinary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"The only true rock is God himself, and He's eternal." - Shannon Bream FOX News Sunday anchor and host of the Livin' the Bream podcast, Shannon Bream, introduces her new book, Nothing is Impossible with God — a vulnerable reflection on how her faith carried her through chronic pain and a season of professional imposter syndrome. Shannon shares a powerful message on the peace that comes with being still and trusting in God’s eternal presence amidst a chaotic world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX News senior correspondent Mike Tobin recently conquered one of the world's ultimate challenges: Mount Everest. He breaks down the grueling journey to the top of the world and the raw mental and physical grit required to survive the death zone. Drawing on their shared experiences in global conflict zones, Ben and Mike explore the striking parallels between reporting from the frontlines and pushing the limits of high-altitude mountaineering. Mike shares how he navigates the intense moments by silencing the inner loser that tells him to quit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get ready to Read All About It! This week, Benjamin shares an extra special sneak peek at his very first children’s book inspired by a weathered little toy hedgehog that traveled in his pocket through war zones and back home again. Plus, Benjamin’s daughters make their podcast debut to talk about their famous hedgehog friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former crime reporter Debra Des Vignes has gone beyond the headlines to understand and reform the minds of those behind bars. While volunteering inside a prison, Debra discovered the profound impact creative writing had on incarcerated individuals. This inspired her to form the Indiana Prison Writers Workshop, a course that allows participants to process past traumas, express remorse, and develop greater self-awareness. She discusses the transformations she has witnessed and explains why she transitioned away from news reporting to focus on the human story behind the crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wondered what it takes to face the impossible in a split-second choice? Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg recounts his experience serving in Afghanistan, where he was forced to make a life-altering decision in a high-stakes moment. Following the attack, Captain Groberg discusses his long recovery process, addressing his battle with mental health and the journey of finding a new purpose. He explains the immense responsibility he carries as a Medal of Honor recipient, viewing the award not as a personal prize, but as a duty to pay homage to the brothers-in-arms he lost that day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben revisits his conversation with adventurer Darren Edwards and provides an update on Darren's most recent mission to redefine the impossible. While mountaineering at "World’s End" in North Wales, Darren plummeted 100 feet after the rock face gave way beneath his feet. The impact shattered his spine and severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Darren discusses how his best friend, Matt, saved his life in a split-second moment and what his recovery process has looked like beyond the initial physical trauma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Benjamin discusses the ongoing government crackdown on protests that continue across Iran. He describes the lack of freedom experienced by the Iranian people under the current regime and the great difficulty to speak to anyone in country because of the imposed internet blackout, and the deadly fear of regime retaliation. Benjamin analyzes the complex geopolitical situation facing the U.S. in dealing with the Iranian regime. He shares his experience traveling within the country and the people's hospitable culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"One day you're going to see it will be fine." - Mark Schonwetter In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, survivor Mark Schonwetter and his daughter Isabella Fiske join Benjamin to shed light on the importance of acceptance, resilience, and faith. Mark was a young child when the Nazis occupied Poland during World War II. He talks about fleeing his home to the Dębica Ghetto, surviving near starvation, and hiding with his mom and sister. He describes how his mother’s relentless positivity gave his family hope to survive. Years after World War II ended, Mark immigrated to America, where he and his daughters founded the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation, to educate students on the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of religious hatred. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"You can't just take away someone's right, because you think it's something they can't do." - Hari Budha Magar World Record breaking mountaineer and Pride of Britain winner Hari Budha Magar shares his commitment to defy all odds and continue seeking adventure despite losing his legs in 2010 to an IED in Afghanistan whilst serving with the British Army’s Ghurkha regiment. Hari retells his journey to become the first double above-knee amputee to summit the highest mountain on every continent. Despite facing immense physical and mental challenges, Hari shares his mission to inspire others to tackle the "Mount Everests" in their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Resilience is something that is built." - Robert Paylor Motivational speaker and author of 'Paralyzed to Powerful', Robert Paylor, a former University of California, Berkeley rugby player, was paralyzed from the neck down during the 2017 National Championships. Instantaneously, an unforgettable day quickly became a pivotal moment in his life. Despite this life-altering injury, Robert has shown incredible resilience and determination throughout his recovery process, breaking barriers that his doctors labeled impossible. He shares the mental strategies he employs to stay positive and the importance of forgiveness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Life keeps moving, so grab that opportunity now." As 2026 kicks off, Benjamin is looking forward to the Lunar New Year as we begin the transition from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse. He explains why now is the time to let go of the past and to seize new opportunities. Benjamin discusses his New Year's resolutions and encourages everyone to make changes that support growth and self-improvement. He explains why the New Year is the best time to dive into new opportunities and to take action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“No matter how difficult your life is…you can find your way through.” This year on Searching for Heroes, Benjamin connected with people who endured some of life's most difficult moments and yet displayed profound resilience and unshakeable hope. Benjamin also introduced different themes to the podcast, with vulnerable and beautiful conversations on solitude, forgiveness, and rebirth. After speaking with remarkable individuals and hearing stories from powerful guests, Benjamin revisits four conversations that truly embody the podcast. Steve Callahan, Scarlett Lewis, Michael Franzese, and Darren Edwards generously shared their exceptional stories and offered insight into navigating some of life's most challenging situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ellen Maguire Foundation's Noel Maguire spends his days working as a pallbearer and nights working the overnight shift as an Upper East Side doorman in Manhattan. While juggling two jobs, Noel spends any free time he has caring for Manhattan's homeless. Noel discusses the incredible work of The Ellen Maguire Foundation, which he founded to honor his mother who was the inspiration behind his quest to help people experiencing homelessness. He also shares why giving back to this community matters to him and how the foundation has grown since it started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"People want something to believe in." Vietnam War veteran, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of GoDaddy, Bob Parsons, shares his passion for helping veterans navigate the mental health challenges associated with transitioning to civilian life. Despite nearly flunking out of high school, Bob enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War to serve his country. While abroad, he was severely wounded in combat and found that his trauma overtook his life once he returned home. Bob discusses his journey to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and how he continues to help veterans do the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices