A Case of the Bens

Episode 7: Laugh Track of the Bens

Episode 7: Laugh Track of the Bens Cue the theme song and awkward pauses — this week on A Case of the Bens, we dive headfirst into the world of sitcoms. We start by clearing up some important (and surprisingly necessary) confusion about “a case of the bends” versus A Case of the Bens, before squeezing in a quick and spirited review of Wicked 2. In current eBents, we look at the reelection of Mohammed Ben Sulayem as president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, proving once again that Bens are steering things at the highest levels — sometimes literally. Our Has-Ben segment spotlights Ben Starr, a prolific writer behind many beloved sitcoms of the 80s and 90s, whose jokes helped define an era of television comedy. Then the episode really hits its stride: Pipes delivers his very best (and most persistent) Jimmy Stewart impressions, Gap explains the pain of “corating”, and Doc leads the group through a hilariously tough round of Would You Rather? — including timeless sitcom dilemmas like whether you’d rather live in the Friends apartment or the Big Bang Theory apartment. It’s fast-paced, funny, and filled with classic Ben banter — basically a sitcom episode, but with fewer canned laughs and more questionable impressions.

Episode 6: Notes from Ben

On this episode of A Case of the Bens, we strike a chord with an episode dedicated to composers and creativity. We open with How Have You Ben, catching up on how the Bens have been keeping busy — from projects and passions to the everyday rhythms of life. In current eBents, we explore two big stories: remember when a historic hotel gets new life, and the major expansion of Ben Taub Medical Center in Houston, Texas, proving that Bens are leaving their mark on skylines as well as soundscapes. The highlight of the episode is our in-depth interview with Ben Cosgrove, an acclaimed composer and musician who memorably describes himself as “a geographer trapped in a piano player’s body.” Ben shares how place, landscape, and curiosity shape his music, and what it means to turn maps into melodies. It’s an episode full of harmony, reflection, and the unmistakable sound of a world that’s just a little more Ben than before.

Episode 5: Orange you glad we're Bens

Episode 5: Orange you glad we're Bens On this episode of A Case of the Bens, all four Bens unite for a full-on fruit fiesta — and things get juicy. We kick things off by discovering that colorblindness may or may not be affecting certain Bens’ ability to tell a ripe mango from a traffic cone. In current eBents, we celebrate Ben Askren, newly announced inductee into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Ben Winston, who was just tapped as a producer for the LA Olympics — two very different Bens dominating two very different arenas. Our Has-Ben spotlights Ben Hill Griffin Jr., the “King of Citrus,” whose impact on Florida agriculture was anything but sour. And in Bentertainment, the Bens go head-to-head in the most contentious segment yet: fruit ranking. Expect passionate speeches, questionable hot takes (are strawberries really elite?), and at least one deeply personal monologue about blueberries. It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s chaotic — it’s A Case of the Bens.

Episode 4: Canoeing with a Ben-t paddle

Episode 4: Canoeing with a Ben-t paddle Grab your paddles and bug spray — on this epidsode of A Case of the Bens, we head deep into the Boundary Waters. Bresch makes his podcast debut, sharing a true tale of canoe-trip chaos and the kind of misadventure that only happens when you’re miles from cell service. Our Has-Ben honors Benny Ambrose, the legendary last permanent resident of the Boundary Waters, who lived off the land long after everyone else left. Then we interview Ben Seaton, an outfitter at Hungry Jack Outfitters, to talk portages, moose encounters, and life along the Gunflint Trail. Finally, in Bentertainment, the Bens face off in Wilderness Survival Trivia — because nothing says “prepared for nature” like guessing bear attack strategies and the identity of Red Fred.

Episode 3: With Great Ben Comes Great Responsibility

Suit up, citizens! In this episode of A Case of the Bens, we’re diving into the super-powered world of heroes and villains. In current eBents, we assess each host’s odds of surviving a zombie apocalypse. Our Has-Ben spotlights Ben Oda, the legendary comic book letterer whose craft helped define how superhero dialogue hits the page. Then, in Bentertainment, the Bens face off in Hero or Philosopher?—a game where they must guess whether a quote comes from a caped crusader or a deep-thinking sage. Can you tell who said it: Spider-Man or Socrates? Tune in to find out and unleash your inner super-Ben.