If You Can Hear Me

Fight to Be Irrelevant: Breaking Free from Social Media’s Grip | Madi & Grant Trout

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 explores the impact of ego, staying grounded amid opportunity, parenting while growing spiritually, and how disappointment can lead to deeper faith. Plus: vulnerability, Bible engagement, and practical advice for building authentic community. TIMESTAMPS 00:01 Living With Intentional Presence 01:29 Stepping Back From Social Media 02:01 Rest, Prayer, and “Fighting Irrelevance” 03:37 The Personal Impact of Logging Off 05:03 Social Media and Career Choices 06:15 Wrestling With Fear of Missing Out 09:00 College, Anxiety, and Comparison 11:05 Faith, Ego, and Self-Promotion 13:25 Rediscovering Authentic Christianity 15:32 Purity, Privacy, and Decision-Making 17:08 Set Apart Yet Engaged 19:31 Redefining “Of the World” 21:05 Personal Transformation Stories 25:22 Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment 32:24 Navigating Ambition and Purpose 36:35 Letting Go of Limitations on God 42:07 Disappointment, Humility, and Stewardship 46:54 Life Updates and Local Roots 52:09 Wrestling With the Bible’s Role See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Finding Peace After Being Knocked Down: Faith, Forgiveness, and Healing with Manti Te'O

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 rebuild his identity. The two also address misconceptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and discuss practical advice for anyone facing bullying, misunderstanding, or moments of public scrutiny. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Growing Up Near South Bend 00:01:27 Choosing Notre Dame Over USC 00:02:08 Faith and Decision-Making 00:03:26 Adjusting to Notre Dame 00:05:30 Finding Common Ground in Faith 00:06:48 Family Visits and Spirituality 00:08:16 Addressing Faith Differences 00:10:20 Heisman Season and Public Spotlight 00:11:34 The Untold Docuseries Reflected 00:13:31 Healing After the Scandal 00:14:00 Separating Narrative from Reality 00:17:17 Losing and Finding Support 00:20:17 Rock Bottom, Faith, and Peace 00:21:42 Forgiveness Toward Others and Self 00:25:43 Handling Bullying and Memes 00:28:57 Rebuilding Identity and Resilience 00:30:16 Encountering the Catfisher’s Family 00:33:06 Addressing Mormon Misconceptions 00:41:17 Relationship to Jesus Christ 00:46:43 Encouragement for Those Struggling See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Losing Everything at 50: How Finding Joy Rescued My Life

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, heartbreak, and happiness—and how he’s bringing donkey rescue to national TV with his new ABC show, Donkey King. If you’ve ever wondered if reinvention is possible at any age, don’t miss this moving conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding meaning, and helping those most overlooked. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Ron King Inspires 00:50 When Not to Follow Your Passion 01:43 A Glance at Corporate Success 02:31 Ron King’s Path to Magazines 04:27 Recovery, Addiction, and Redemption 07:28 Falling into New Chapters 09:44 The Persistence that Paid Off 11:16 Lessons from Hitting Bottom 13:31 Defining and Finding Real Joy 14:35 How Donkeys Changed Everything 20:18 Building a Donkey Sanctuary 26:48 Why Donkeys (and Not Horses)? 30:00 Oscar’s Place on ABC’s Donkey King 35:36 Balancing Joy and Heavy Work 37:42 Ron King’s Advice: Hold On 40:22 How to Support Oscar’s Place See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

18 Days in a Coma: What I Saw on the Other Side

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, skepticism, medical realities, and the way one moment can redefine life and belief. Whether you’re curious or searching, this conversation opens up questions about miracles, scripture, prayer, and what it really means to encounter love. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introducing Gabe Perot’s Story 01:12 Gabe’s Life Before the Crash 02:35 The Skateboard Accident 04:08 Flatlining and Coma Experience 06:39 Encountering Jesus and Heaven 09:02 Faith, Scripture, and Transformation 13:04 Embodied Love in Heaven 17:09 Seeing Prayers While in Coma 20:25 Community and Loneliness in Heaven 25:11 Returning to Life 27:29 Attachments and Radical Change 32:57 Handling Skepticism 36:36 Scripture and Prayer Afterward 40:44 Final Reflections and Advice See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Learning to Live With Grief: A Mother’s Honest Journey Through Loss

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 darkness, and what it takes to simply keep going. Danielle unpacks why conventional wisdom around grief can feel hollow, what really helps, and how she finds strength to write, speak, and honor Miranda’s memory. This is a vital listen for anyone touched by loss, those supporting a grieving friend, or searching for honest insight into living after the unimaginable. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Facing the Unthinkable Loss 02:32 Danielle’s Backstory and Career 04:14 The Day Miranda Passed 05:02 Navigating Medical Challenges 07:11 Channeling Grief Into Help 08:24 Writing Through Pain 11:06 The Messiness of Grief 12:26 Fears During Surgery Years 15:33 Remembering Miranda’s Spirit 16:56 Balancing Memory and Grief 21:09 Promoting and Sharing the Book 25:39 Not Becoming a “Grief Influencer” 31:18 EMDR and Healing Resources 36:42 The Ongoing Presence of Grief 40:05 Impact on Family and Relationships 46:11 What Helps Those Who Grieve 48:06 Connecting and Finding Support See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.