If You Can Hear Me

What happens when a kid from the Netherlands grows up to write the origin story of America's first president?

In this episode, screenwriter Diederik Hoogstraten joins Ben to talk about Young Washington — the Wonder Project film releasing July 3rd to mark America's 250th — and why an immigrant might be uniquely positioned to remind us what this country actually is.

We get into:

- Growing up progressive in 1980s Holland a...

In this conversation, the former White House Press Secretary, Fox News anchor, and bestselling author Dana Perino joins Ben Higgins to talk about the unglamorous middle of an ambitious life: the quarter-life crisis, the yeses that change everything, and why worry might be the most wasted emotion we have.

We cover:
- The moment President Bush asked her "What's wrong?" — and changed her career
- How she said yes to becomi...

Power couple Andrew and Shawn Johnson East join Ben Higgins for a candid dive into marriage, creating together, and balancing business, parenthood, and faith. The duo reveal how “The Courage to Commit”—their co-authored book—was born from years of navigating life on and offline. They open up about the realities of sharing vulnerably with millions, boundary-setting, routines, how commitment brings freedom, an...

Go behind the scenes with Ben Higgins as he sits down with Lady A’s Charles Kelley for a candid conversation about faith, sobriety, and the power of second chances. Charles Kelley opens up about his journey through addiction, his evolving relationship with spirituality, and how his bandmates, family, and music have shaped his path toward wholeness. Hear the stories and insights that inspired his solo project, “Songs for...

What does it really mean to step back from the spotlight and pursue a life of presence? Ben Higgins sits down with Grant Troutt and Madi Troutt for a candid conversation about intentional living, fighting for “irrelevance,” and unplugging from social media in today’s world. Hear their honest struggles, why they chose to be rooted locally, and how faith, accountability, and humility shape their story. The trio expl...

From Notre Dame football legend to ESPN, Manti Te'o joins Ben Higgins for an honest conversation about faith, resilience, and forgiveness. Manti Te'o explains his journey from a Mormon upbringing in Hawaii to becoming the face of a prestigious Catholic institution, details the infamous catfishing scandal, and the healing process that followed—including how forgiveness, faith, and family helped him overcome adversity and rebui...

From corporate boardrooms to shoveling donkey poop in Gucci, Ron King shares his incredible journey from a high-flying magazine executive at Time Inc. to founding Oscar’s Place, a sanctuary for rescued donkeys. After losing everything at 50 and facing personal lows, Ron King discovers the difference between enjoyment and true joy. Hear how a viral TikTok video and a persistent friend led him to a life of unexpected purpose, h...

When Gabe Perot’s life changed in a split second, nothing could prepare him—or his loved ones—for what was next. After a near-fatal electric skateboard crash, 18 days in a coma, and what he describes as an encounter with the other side, Gabe returns to share what he experienced, what he saw, and how it’s radically changed his view on faith, identity, and love. Host Ben Higgins dives into Gabe’s story, ...

When Danielle Crittenden lost her daughter Miranda suddenly at 32, her world shattered. In this deeply honest conversation with Ben Higgins, Danielle—journalist and author of "Dispatches from Grief: A Mother's Journey through the Unthinkable"—opens up about the raw pain of losing a child, the isolating experience of grief, and why “moving on” is a fantasy. She shares her family’s journey, moments of da...

Country music artist Lauren Alaina joins host Ben Higgins for a raw, candid conversation about balancing career, motherhood, and profound personal loss. Lauren discusses the story behind her rising hit "All My Exes," co-writing with Ben Johnson, and how her journey through love shaped her songwriting. She opens up about navigating new motherhood, the challenges of touring, weaning her daughter, and missing milestones as she pursues...

On this episode of If You Can Hear Me, Ben sits down with Shaunie Henderson, entrepreneur and creator of Basketball Wives, and Keion Henderson, senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries in Houston. They open up about redefining success, slowing down, and leading a vibrant faith community together. Hear candid stories about transitioning from the hustle of LA to intentional living, the challenges and rewards of church le...

Comedian Pete Holmes joins Ben Higgins for a deep dive into comedy, faith, and finding true freedom. Pete shares personal stories—divorce, heartbreak, spiritual awakening through Ram Dass and psilocybin, and a journey from strict evangelical roots to embracing spaciousness and play. They dissect why we take life too seriously, the power of laughter to connect us, what spirituality really means beyond labels, and how Pete uses...

Songwriter Ruston Kelly joins Ben Higgins for a raw, honest conversation on “If You Can Hear Me.” Ruston shares his creative process, spiritual journey, and how making sense of pain fuels his music. The episode explores his struggles with addiction, faith, and the transformative power of gratitude, culminating in his experience with the divine and the impact of love in his life. Discover how Ruston’s latest album,...

Comedian and creator Danae Hays joins Ben Higgins to share her journey from the Bible Belt of Alabama to stand-up stages across the country. Danae opens up about coming out, facing estrangement from her family, and the complexities of faith, prayer, and reconciliation. Dive into honest conversations about overcoming religious trauma, rebuilding relationships, and how comedy became both a career and a sourc...

Olympian Boone Niederhofer joins Ben Higgins in Italy for an inside look at the Olympic journey—from walking on at Texas A&M to racing for Team USA in bobsled. Boone opens up about the pressure of team selection, balancing family life and engineering work, and the deep motivations driving him beyond medals. Hear stories of sacrifice, faith, and the pursuit of excellence, plus candid moments about parenting, doubt, and gra...

Go beyond the main event and dive into the heart of wrestling with Ben Higgins and guest Swerve Strickland, AEW superstar and the company’s first African-American world champion. Recorded live from the 2026 Super Bowl’s Radio Row, Swerve reveals what drives him in and out of the ring, his journey of legacy, faith, and fatherhood, and why passion is about loving the grind—even when it give...

Super Bowl week gets real as Ben Higgins sits down with Annabelle Hasselbeck from Sports Spectrum for a conversation about faith, identity, and purpose in the midst of chaos. Annabelle Hasselbeck shares what it’s like covering the NFL’s biggest moments, how growing up with a strong faith-based family shapes her broadcasting path, and the daily challenges of staying grounded. Hear her candid per...

The 2026 Super Bowl sets the stage for a candid conversation between Ben Higgins and Rachel. Forget the Bachelor drama—this episode is all about real talk: faith, identity, and finding purpose amid chaos. Rachel shares her Catholic upbringing, shifts in belief, and the role science plays in her worldview. Together, they explore the struggle for meaning, how to reset in uncertain times, and the import...

Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos joins Ben Higgins on "If You Can Hear Me" for a candid and moving conversation about navigating grief, rediscovering love, and searching for a new sense of normal after profound loss. Together, they explore questions of faith, family, and the longing for clarity when life keeps moving forward. Joan shares what keeps her grounded, the ongoing challenges of piecing together ha...