Burn it Down with Ben Mollin of The Ben Mollin Project and Shear Genius

Ben Mollin's story is incredible. From life-long medical impairments to dealing with depression and attempted suicide to becoming a rockstar hairdresser on a reality tv show. He has broken down every barrier put in his way, and fear is no longer in his vocabulary.

Ben Mollin is an award-winning speaker, 2-time Ironman finisher, ultramarathon runner, an internationally recognized hairdresser, and an internationally recognized leader in personal development and peak performance strategies. He has been teaching entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, and people from all walks of life how to create the life they desire. In 2007, Ben made his television debut on "Shear Genius," Bravo TV's reality competition for hairdressers, finishing second. Show judges Sally Hershberger and Vidal Sassoon commended Ben for his raw talent and his growth over the course of the competition. Ben is an international guest artist for hair cutting classes, personal appearances, and video projects, is on the hit TV show “The Look All-Stars” and in "50 Hairstylists," a book featuring the fifty most influential hairdressers in the country.

→IN THIS EPISODE… Joe sits down with Ben Mollin, a friend he knew in high school and recently reconnected with over the last two years.  What Joe remembered about Ben was how he appeared to have everything; charisma, confidence, and a born leader. BUT Ben was actually suffering from depression and had attempted suicide in front of his parents at the age of 14 due to what he thought was an insurmountable health setback. He was able to get help find music and then he started an incredible career, from his success on a Reality Show, Sheer Genius, to starting the Ben Mollin Project, where he shares his story and empowers those around him. Ben’s story has an incredible arc; from depression to suicidal thoughts to burning it all down to start over and not being afraid of anything. 

🔍 Breakdown with Ben Mollin: Chapter 1 (0:00) Joe Introduces Ben Joe sets up the episode and welcomes Ben Mollin to the show

Chapter 2 (2:00) 14 years old and attempting suicide Ben found himself struggling after getting a medical diagnosis which made him wear a helmet to school at 14 when appearance is a big aspect of your identity.

Chapter 3 (11:58) Finding music as an outlet Nirvana came out and Ben really started being influenced by music

Chapter 4 (16:32) Getting started in the hair business After graduating high school Ben went to beauty school. He worked at supercuts, and then a spa in Lansing. Soon after he bought his first salon.

Chapter 5 (20:22) How do you find joy To Ben joy is constant. He realized early on that success to him is fun when there is consistency and stability.

Chapter 6 (24:08) Getting on a reality show Finding himself 100K in debt, he was approached by someone from the bravo network to be a part of a new reality hairdresser competition and the prize amount was… exactly 100K.

Chapter 7 (36:40) Vidal Sassoon and lessons from Reality-TV Vidal got Ben on his path to teaching. He shared some wisdom about what his career path should be that sent Ben in a pivotal direction.

Chapter 8 (40:54) Bad habits turned positive Ben realized he was having a negative relationship with alcohol. It wasn’t affecting him professionally, but he realized he needed to lead by example. 

Chapter 9 (44:32) Suicidal thoughts coming back Ben was dealing with suicidal thoughts; reached out to a counselor for help. That counselor helped him identify what the real problem was, and suggested relief that changed everything.

Chapter 10 (51:30) Fatherhood and family Having his son was an experience in itself. Ben’s son was born with a heart condition, so once again he was given a life lesson that he is forever grateful for.

Chapter 11 (58:00) Joe Wraps up the Episode Joe concludes the episode with Ben praising him for being his authentic self, and celebrating his life’s journey.

DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS: →National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more 800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ →Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources

Material Referenced in this interview: →Gummo - Drama/Indie film  →https://youtu.be/APdmX6ch60U Haircuts in the Summer →https://www.bravotv.com/shear-genius →https://www.ironcowboy.com/

📞 Connect with Ben →https://www.instagram.com/benmollin/ →https://www.facebook.com/ben.mollin →https://twitter.com/FnMollin →https://www.benmollinproject.com/

👊 To learn more about Not Almost There by visiting this link  → Not Almost There http://notalmostthere.com/​

Connect with Joe on social here: →Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joe_chura/​ →Facebook https://www.facebook.co