Heard Podcast

In this live event, world renowned "reader", Michael Verde uses one of the greatest pieces of American literature to change the way we read, relate to the written word, and expand what is possible for an artist.  Somewhere between brain candy and a soul massage, this will inspire you and open your eyes to see what, perhaps, has been there all along.

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with actress, and star of the new Amazon Original series, "Jack Ryan", Dina Shihabi to discuss diversity, equality, and the miracle of being alive. A unique voice in difficult times, Dina offers insight into what it means to know yourself, love those around you, and bask in the miracle of life.  

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with actress and cultural influencer, Ana Lorena Sanchez to discuss what life, love, and dating looks like in 2018.  The conversation goes to some unexpected places as Ana Lorena opens up about some personal things, and a surprise guest jumps in to reveal something previously unknown about the host.  You do not want to miss this podcast!

In 2012, host, Benjamin Mathes created Urban Confessional: a Free Listening Movement.  Since then, the movement has grown to over 80 countries with thousands of volunteers holding signs that say, "Free Listening".  In this episode, Benjamin uncovers the secrets to deep listening.  Often referred to as a "soft skill", this podcast will show you why listening is actually a "survival skill". Take notes and listen carefully, there's a lot of info in this episode!

In this episode, one of last season most popular guest, Michael Verde, returns to dive deep into the profound effects myths and metaphors have on our lives, literature, and cultural understanding.  A self-proclaimed "Reader", Michael is capable of revealing hidden truths embedded into the written word. Pulling from Biblical scripture and classic American Literature, he will open the aperture of what is possible when we allow ourselves to see more, understand more, and read in a new way.

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with self described "White, Lutheran, Rapper" and cultural innovator, Agape Dave. Join them as they wade through the muddy waters of cultural appropriation, racism, hiphop, Jesus, and how social anxiety may be cause of modern segregation. In this episode, Agape Dave will give you a 5 step process that will show you how to grow in your understanding of different cultures, discuss the nuances of Whiteness, and shed light on the very things that will bring us all together if we ever develop the courage to let it.

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with Kansas State University professor, Dr. Katie Heinrich to discuss her studies on one of the worlds leading workout programs, CrossFit.  She offers a unique perspective one the high intensity workouts and dives into nutrition, sports psychology, and why Crossfit isn't exactly what you think it is.  Whether you work out or not, you'll want to know the information she has to share!

Join Benjamin as he chats with actor and theatre artist, Cody Kearsley.  Currently starring as Moose Mason on Netflix's Riverdale, Cody opens up about his sobriety, his questions about life and spirituality, and what it means to be an artist.  In this podcast, we are reminded of the power of vulnerability, the universal message behind personal truths, and the difficult nature of experiencing the wholeness of life.

After suffering a near death experience in 2018, actor and stunt-man, Jose Lopez sits down with Benjamin to discuss what it really means to be alive.  His insights on life, death, and leaving a legacy will inspire you and make you think.  In this episode, Jose shares the depths of his personal and physical struggle, the miracles of science that kept him alive, and the importance of the community that lifted him up.  You do not want to miss this interview.

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with actor Daniel Sharman to discuss life, giving, and what it means to be an artist in a modern time.  From Teen Wolf, Fear the Walking Dead, The Immortals, The Originals, and the upcoming Netflix series, Medici, Daniel is an actor know across the world for his talent, his warmth, and his deep thinking…oh, and his over 4 million followers on social media.  In this conversation, Daniel gets personal and reveals things he’s never spoken of in his many public interviews.  Do not miss this engaging, provocative, and at times, comical interview with Daniel Sharman.

Improv Comedy, Metaphysics, and film production. Nothing is off limits in this episode as Benjamin chats with Hollywood producer, scientist, and published author, Ivan Orlic. The episodes begins with an invaluable lesson on how to approach famous people on the streets, and quickly moves into personal revelations about life, love and the art of making movies.

In this episode, Benjamin chats with 3 time Republican Georgia State Senator, Burt Jones.  From the University of Georgia football team to the state government, Burt opens up about what it takes to win an election, run a business, and raise a family in today’s world.  He also reveals exactly what it’s like to disagree with other members of the state Senate, and how we can all work together to make the world a better place.  Oh—and he’s met President Trump many times.  Wanna know what that was like…?  Listen to the end.  I think you’ll be surprised.

In this episode, Benjamin chats with King of Pops founder Nick Carse about life, risks, and how to create unexpected moments of happiness in the lives of people around you. In a classic deep dive, Nick talks about how he went from analyzing risk to taking risks: hint, it has something to do with the famous Harry Hand Case.  He also discusses how he and the team at King of Pops have created a Farm to Pop model by extending what it means to create small batch pops are made with love in the South. If you’re stuck at your job, but have a dream of changing the world, you need to listen to this interview.  Maybe you’ll learn the difference between a “decision” and a “choice”.

In this rare interview, Benjamin discusses the meaning of life with one of the world’s leading theatre and voice practitioners, Catherine Fitzmaurice. Together they discuss the dynamic nature of life, the beauty of death, and everything that happens in between. Catherine goes on to reveal that she is not afraid of something that tends to haunt us all, the importance of rethinking traditions, and how to make the world your peer. Throughout, there are laughs, deep breaths, and lots of truth. You do not have to be a theatre-goer to relate to her experience and the wisdom she’s derived from it.

In this episode, Benjamin sits down with speaker, author, and self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, Mike Foster. From the very start of the episode, Mike re-frames our relationship to the difficult moments in life, and teaches us how to embrace and integrate our life journey no matter the circumstances. In fact, he will take you on a journey to discover how the very things you believe are holding you back, are the very things that give you an unfair advantage. Your story matters, and in this episode, Mike will show you why.

Season 2 is coming on April 10th! Check out the new guests, the new interviews, and all the new insight in just ONE WEEK!

James Kinney is back! It's a Christmas miracle! In this podcast, James puts forward the idea that wellness is the cornerstone of a happy and successful life, but how does perception concerning who we are, and what we want to be relate to maintaining that sense of wellness? Ben sits down with James Kinney once more, and the two dive into the importance of social currency, aligning the feedback that we get from others with our own self-perception, and what James Kinney plans to do when he runs for president in 2020.

Jeff Fink has struggled with depression since he was a teenager. His battle for emotional health and functionality took him through endless medications, therapy, and finally hospitalization. However, it wasn’t until he met Earl that his life finally began to turn around. Earl has been a life long friend and an incredible support as Jeff has pushed forward. He’s also a dog. Today Ben and Jeff sit down to discuss mental health, and the incredible impact that animals can have on our well being.

Whether its addiction, or overcoming our psychological trauma, recovery is a long and lonely road to walk. Former marine Billy Vaughan has done his best to ensure that the people who come to his organization have as much support as he can give. When he sits down to chat with Ben, the two talk about redemption and healing and how to come to terms with the individuals that some might think are too far gone.

We’ve all been in at least one awkward situation. Most of us think that those situations are relegated to bad small talk or a slight miscommunication between two people. However, sometimes awkward situations are more related to a deeper discomfort with an idea or concept. In his work with the elderly Michael Verde helps people confront awkwardness. He assists those experiencing dementia in creating meaningful connections with real people. The interactions can be weird and tough to stomach, but as Benjamin and Michael discuss today are absolutely necessary as our loved ones get older.