Hope Still Wins with Ben Higgins

Happy Father's Day from That Sounds Fun Network & Hope Still Wins! Today we have a special bonus episode to share with you celebrating dads & all we love about them. In this episode, hosts from all different That Sounds Fun Network shows -- including me -- share what we love about our dads/and advice about being a dad. ALSO! Our friends over at Storyworth are giving away TWO free subscriptions for our TSF Network listeners! To enter: visit thatsoundsfunnetwork.com & enter your email in the pop-up. That's it! Good luck & Happy Father's Day!

Happy 1 year anniversary Hope Still Wins fam!! In this episode Ben and producer Jenny Barber ask YOU, the listener, “the question”-- Does hope still win? If so why and if not, why not? They reflect on where the show is one year after launch and what listeners can expect next. From the HSW team: If you’ve been alongside us over the past year, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It’s truly been an honor getting to explore different viewpoints, ask the hard questions, and hear and learn from your inspiring stories. We’re grateful for each and every one of you. Cheers to 1 year!! Fill out the 1 year survey Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Connect with Jenny:  -Instagram 

Writer, TED Speaker, and mental health advocate Hannah Brencher challenges us to ask how we can serve others in times when we may need love, hope and healing the most. She shares her personal struggles with mental health, how it led her to creating a “battle plan” and how she ultimately found balance and hope by leaning into her faith, seeking out medical help and writing notes to strangers all over New York City. Connect with Hannah: -Instagram  -Website  -Books by Hannah  -More Love Letters Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Why does leadership matter and what does it look like in a post pandemic, 2022 world? Pastor of Zoe Church, Chad Veach joins Ben to discuss why Jesus is the ultimate example of how to lead, what it means to be a servant leader, how to establish your voice as a leader and what we can learn from other generations about how and why we choose to lead. Connect with Chad: -Instagram  -Twitter -Check out Zoe Church  -Zoe Leadership College  -Books written by Chad  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Michael D. Tubbs is the author of the memoir The Deeper the Roots, Special Advisor to California Governor Gavin Newsom for Economic Mobility, founder of End Poverty in California (E.P.I.C) and was the previous mayor of Stockton, California at the age of 26 which made him the youngest mayor of any major American city! In this episode, Ben and Michael dig into the importance of changing the poverty narrative, the ways Michael’s faith impacts how he shows up as a leader in politics, how to approach large social issues when you’re hoping to make a change and why creating space for other's stories to be shared may be the greatest effort we can make. Connect with Michael:  -Website -Instaram  -Twitter -Purchase Michael's book, The Deeper the Roots  -Check out Michael's nonprofit E.P.I.C Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Today's Partners: -Help build homes for La Cuchilla with Humanity & Hope United -Humanity & Hope Instagram  -Listen to Be The Bridge Podcast with Latasha Morrison  -Listen to Latasha Morrison on Hope Still Wins 

We’re kicking off mental health awareness month with former professional baseball player, Drew Robinson. Drew's advocacy for mental health is deeply personal. In 2020, he attempted to commit suicide. It came as a surprise to everyone on the outside because Drew looked like he had it all— playing in the major leagues, surrounded by people who loved and supported him. Drew's suicide attempt was not successful and he is no longer is playing for the MLB. He retired in 2021 after an unexpected comeback and has decided to join the front office of the San Francisco Giants organization to focus on being the "bridge" between players and mental health professionals. And today we get to learn how he is hoping to do just that. Drew said in another interview, "I am here for a reason" and there is no doubt in our mind..he's right. Mental health resources: -The Scatter Joy Project  -Listen to The Scatter Joy Podcast -Tickets to The Scatter Joy Event on June 4th in Columbus, Ohio -Listen to episode 38 with Shawn Johnson -Listen to episode 6 with Michelle Williams Connect with Drew: -Instagram -Twitter Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Kent Dobson is a spiritual leader whose work centers on deepening the conversation between the Soul, who we are in the world, the mystery of Nature, and the Divine Source. He leads Pilgrimage Tours to Israel and was the leader for Ben’s recent trip with his parents and his wife Jessica. In this conversation, Ben and Kent explore the complexities of faith, the benefits of disruption and what it means to surrender to the unknown. If you consider yourself spiritually curious, this one’s for you! Connect with Kent:  -Website with Kent's upcoming Israel trips  -Instagram  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Ben and his wife Jessica reflect on their recent trip to Israel, part 2! They’re answering listener’s questions about how the trip deepened their understanding of the gospels, the ways their view on hope evolved throughout the experience and of course, their favorite foods!! If you enjoy this conversation, make sure to go back and listen to Ben and Jessica's reflections on their trip to Israel part 1 here!  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight -Generous Coffee Connect with Jess: -Instagram

Ben and his wife Jessica reflect on a recent trip they took to Israel with Ben’s parents. They’re answering listener’s questions about which landmarks they visited, how experiencing the sites in person impacted them and the surprising ways the trip brought the Bible to life. Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight -Generous Coffee Connect with Jess: -Instagram

"I think there are a lot of us who have to make peace with the idea of several different possibilities and tracks throughout our lives. And it’s not necessarily a failure, it might actually be a gift."  Bestselling author Shuana Niequist and Ben walk us through what it looks like to navigate endings we didn’t choose (relationships, jobs, church affiliations etc.) and make peace with expectations for how we thought our lives would look. They open up about seasons where they’ve found themselves being a “beginner” again and how surprisingly, hope can be found in the pivot if we choose to let go, lean into the questions (vs depending on answers) and allow the change to guide us in a new, undiscovered direction. Connect with Shauna:  -Instagram  -Twitter -Website  -Purchase Shauna's new book, I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Ben sits down with author and pastor of Transformation Church, Dr. Derwin L. Gray to navigate what the Bible says about healing our racial divide and what action we can take to stand for reconciliation in our communities as well as our local church.  Like what you hear and want to dig in deeper? Grab a copy of Dr. Derwin L. Gray’s new book, How to Heal Our Racial Divide: What the Bible Says, and the First Christians Knew About Racial Reconciliation.  Connect with Dr. Derwin:   -Instagram  -Twitter  -Website  -Check out Transformation Church  -Purchase his new book, How to Heal Our Racial Divide  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsor: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee!

Daniel Grothe is the Associate Senior Pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO and the author of Chasing Wisdom and most recently, The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age. In this episode, Daniel challenges our generation-- enthralled with wanderlust and chasing the next best thing-- to do the opposite and stay put. He makes an argument for why we may be rich when it comes to financial capital but how many of us seem to have empty accounts when it comes to social capital. So how do we choose the power of place while following God’s call and what does embracing place look like while continuing to pursue growth outside of our comfort zone? Tune in to find out! Connect with Daniel:  -Instagram  -Website  -Purchase The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age  -Purchase Chasing Wisdom: The Lifelong Pursuit of Living Well  -Check out New Life Church  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Athletic Greens: Grab your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/HSW -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

Emily P. Freeman is a bestselling author, podcast host and has a masters degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University where she serves as a Residency Lecturer. She creates soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. In this conversation, Ben and Emily discuss what it looks like to navigate decisions when it comes to deconstructing our faith, and Emily paints a beautiful and eye-opening picture of how Jesus approached questions throughout the Bible. The two offer a reframe for defining decisions as “right or wrong” and explore what kind of world we would live in if we began to prioritize listening. It’s a dose of hope and wisdom that will stick with you all week long! Connect with Emily P. Freeman: -Instagram -Listen to her podcast, The Next Right Thing -Purchase her books, The Next Tight Thing and The Next Right Thing Guided Journal -Website Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

“Mental health should never be a solo battle.” Shawn Johnson, Senior Pastor at Red Rocks Church and author of the new book, Attacking Anxiety: From Panicked and Depressed to Alive and Free, takes us through his personal journey battling with panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. He wants any who battles with mental illness to know that they are not alone, what you are going through is real, and it can be beat. Tune in and share with a loved one who you believe would be blessed by this message. Connect with Shawn: -Instagram -Purchase Shawn's book, Attacking Anxiety -Learn more about Red Rocks Church Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Athletic Greens: Grab your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/HSW -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

"Indy is this beacon of hope for people." Terah and Brian Jones share their journey through childhood cancer and the miraculous moments they experienced with their daughter, Indy Llew. Their story is scattered with the the spirit of childhood hope, the warmth of miracles, and a breathtaking example of how the faith of 1000s has the power to heal.  In loving memory of Indy Llew Jones. You are a light for us all, little one. 🤞🏼  Connect with Terah & Brian:  -Instagram  -Indy Llew and You -Terah's website  -Watch Indy's Celebration of Life  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

How do we heal from sexual trauma? And what is "sex positivity"?  In this episode, Ben sits down with Licensed Psychologist, Certified Sex Therapist, and founder of Modern Intimacy Dr. Kate Balestrieri to explore what it means to fully embrace our sexuality, how to accept others who have differing sexual values, and why considering our relationship with God can be a step toward healing our relationship with sex.   Connect with Dr. Kate:   -Instagram   -Modern Intimacy -Modern Intimacy Podcast   Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors:  -Athletic Greens: Grab your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/HSW -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

How can we utilize the enneagram to heal? In this episode, Ben sits down for an insightful conversation with Ian Cron— an enneagram master teacher, speaker, author of the bestselling book, A Road Back to You, and most recently his new book, The Story of You. They dig into the false stories each type tells themselves and how we can use the enneagram to work in our favor to expose and rewrite our broken stories. Connect with Ian: -Instagram -Twitter -Website -Purchase Ian’s new book, The Story of You Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

For Brandon and Sam Conley, receiving news that Brandon was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS was a "line in the sand moment." Brandon, age 36, was originally diagnosed with Lyme Disease and had been struggling with symptoms for 16 months that "seemed" to be Lyme before specialist confirmed that in was in fact, ALS.  In this episode, Ben sits down with two of his best friends to talk about what it's like to receive a life-altering diagnosis, one without a cure, how it has shifted their perspective & identity, and how YOU can be a part of fighting alongside Ben, Brandon and Sam to #endALS.  Connect with Brandon & Sam: -Brandon's Instagram  -Sam's Instagram  -Donate to Conley's Cause  -Check out I AM ALS Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Athletic Greens: Grab your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/HSW -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

Does hope win when someone you care about takes their own life? How do you begin to process and how do you move forward? In this episode of Hope Still Wins in the Unexpected, Ben sits down with writer and editor Laurie Woolever best known for her time as an assistant to the late TV host, author, and producer Anthony Bourdain. They discuss the complexities of Anthony’s life, how to help loved ones with an addictive personality, and what they believe is the best thing we can begin to do if someone we know is struggling. Laurie lets us in on her latest projects— Appetites: A Cookbook co-written with Anthony, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, and Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography— what to expect next in her career and what she hopes Anthony will be forever remembered for. Connect with Laurie:  -Instagram  -Website  -Grab a copy of Appetites: A Cookbook, World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, and Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!

Artist, illustrator, author, and performing artist, Scott Erickson joins Ben to discuss the power our curiosity has in the journey to transforming our lives. They dig into the concept of living within the paradox of life and how identity can be a powerful force once we shift our perspective from working FOR identity to working FROM it. It’s an honest conversation that will leave you both empowered to connect to your curiosity and hopeful for what you may find. Connect with Scott: -Instagram  -Website  -Grab a copy of Scott's new book, Say Yes  Connect with Ben: -Instagram -Twitter -Purchase Ben's book Alone in Plain Sight Thank you to our sponsors: -Athletic Greens: Grab your FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/HSW -Generous Coffee: If you're going to drink coffee, make it life-changing coffee! -Sign up for Anchor and start using your voice for GOOD, TODAY!