If You Can Hear Me

Say Yes Before You're Ready, Listen Before You Speak, with Dana Perino

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 becoming Press Secretary in a single second - Why mentorship works better as conversation than contract - The "epidemic of interruption" and what listening actually requires - Her new novel Purple State, and why she wrote a political book without politics - Faith, humility, and praying silently for strangers on the subway Dana's perspective is grounded, specific, and refreshingly free of partisan noise. If you're in a season of figuring out what's next — or wondering if you're behind — this one's worth your time. Dana's new book "Purple State" is available wherever books are sold! Subscribe for more conversations like this one. CHAPTERS 00:32 Welcome to If You Can Hear Me 01:11 Why mentorship matters now 05:35 Bush's "what's the worst that could happen" 08:11 The yes that made her press secretary 14:41 Staying excited in a new chapter 19:51 Meeting Peter on a plane 23:16 Humility vs. imposter syndrome 30:06 Inside Purple State's characters 34:39 The epidemic of interruption 40:24 Don't worry your 20s away 44:06 Silent prayers on the subway 49:53 Who Purple State is really for See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Courage to Commit: Building Lasting Love, Family, and Purpose with Andrew & Shawn Johnson East

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, and when it’s time to prune commitments or even walk away. This episode is full of insights for couples, creators, and anyone wrestling with intentional living. “The Courage to Commit” releases June 9th. TIMESTAMPS 00:01 Meeting the Power Couple 00:37 Doing Life and Work Together 01:13 Becoming YouTube Creators 03:13 Risks and Early Content Strategy 05:02 Navigating Content and Authenticity 09:27 Vulnerability and Boundaries Online 12:18 How They Structure Work and Home 15:00 Routines, Rhythms, and Priorities 17:47 Why Write “The Courage to Commit” 20:05 The Countercultural Value of Commitment 22:05 Getting to Know Your Spouse 24:19 Systems for Deeper Marriage Connection 27:28 Commitment as a Path to Freedom 29:07 Commitment, Faith, and Sacred Moments 36:25 Knowing When to Prune or Quit 42:58 Making Decisions as a Couple 46:19 Why Read “The Courage to Commit” See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From Rock Bottom to Purpose: How Sobriety Transformed My Faith and Life With Charles Kelley

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 a New Moon,” as well as what’s next for Lady A. It’s a raw, reflective, and unfiltered look at transformation, the importance of curiosity, and finding redemption in unexpected places. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Faith, Religion, and Curiosity 02:09 Sobriety and Spiritual Discovery 04:38 Reading Richard Rohr & Faith Journeys 06:09 Family, Bandmates, and Faith Development 08:06 Pressure and Support From Bandmates 10:16 Purpose, Legacy, and Living for More 14:40 God Beyond the Box 16:07 Struggling With Religious Exclusivity 18:35 The Catalyst for Change: Sobriety 22:12 Growth, Family, and God Moments 25:57 Life and Joy After Sobriety 27:22 Social Life Without Drinking 30:13 New Priorities, Legacy, and Respect 32:13 Marriage, Support, and Forgiveness 37:03 "Songs for a New Moon" Inspiration 41:42 Vulnerability, Shame, and Recovery 45:20 Lady A’s Next Chapter and New Music See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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.