Ep. 40: Ben Down for All the Right Reasons (ft. Tara & Haley)

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben welcomes a very special pair of guests — his cousin-in-law Tara, and her daughter Haley, who instantly steals the show.

Tara shares her family’s powerful and emotional story of raising a child with Down syndrome — from the shock of the diagnosis to the overwhelming joy and laughter Haley brings into their lives every day. She opens up about young motherhood, the early medical scares, the misconceptions around disabilities, and how her family turned fear into faith, humor, and love.

Then Haley takes the mic — and chaos (in the best way) ensues. From family drama, football, and TikTok fame to wrestling gossip and telling people to “kiss my ass,” she proves why everyone falls in love with her the moment they meet her.

📌 In this episode:

• Tara on the moment she found out Haley had Down syndrome
• The miracle story of Haley’s heart healing on its own
• Finding community and strength in raising a child with special needs
• Why “different abilities” is the language of love
• Haley joins the mic to spill family secrets, party stories, and wrestling drama
• Ben and Haley bond over dancing, confidence, and living life unapologetically
• The funniest exit line  (“Kiss my ass!”)

This episode is equal parts laughter, love, and pure light — a reminder that joy, humor, and resilience often come in the most unexpected packages.

🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by actor, 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