If You Can Hear Me

iHeartPodcasts

We’re all looking for something.   In If You Can Hear Me, Ben Higgins sits down with people from all walks of life—celebrities, thinkers, everyday folks—to talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope.   These are honest conversations about the big stuff: identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out.   If you’ve ever felt like there must be more to the story—this show is for you.

  1. APR 15

    Navigating Motherhood, Loss, and Music: Finding Purpose in Every Season | Lauren Alaina

    Country music artist Lauren Alaina joins host Ben Higgins for a raw, candid conversation about balancing career, motherhood, and profound personal loss. Lauren discusses the story behind her rising hit "All My Exes," co-writing with Ben Johnson, and how her journey through love shaped her songwriting. She opens up about navigating new motherhood, the challenges of touring, weaning her daughter, and missing milestones as she pursues her music career. Lauren also reflects on losing her father, the impact on her faith, writing music through seasons of grief and joy, and a moving family experience witnessing her stepfather's final moments. Dive into faith, resilience, family, and the stories behind the songs that connect so many listeners.   TIMESTAMPS00:00 Lauren On Major Life Changes00:01:10 Introducing Lauren Alaina00:01:38 Behind “All My Exes”00:02:26 Writing With Ben Johnson00:03:13 Song Inspired By Broadway Days00:04:20 Shifting Songwriting Styles00:05:28 The Song’s Journey To Release00:06:29 Writing From Past Relationships00:09:16 Becoming A Mom: Benny Doll00:10:21 Navigating Breastfeeding And Emotions00:13:07 Parenting On Tour And At Home00:14:24 Balancing Career And Motherhood00:17:58 Challenges Of Leaving Her Daughter00:21:07 Hard Choices As A Working Mom00:26:15 Prayer And Healing After Loss00:29:19 Songwriting Through Grief And Joy00:37:14 Faith And Miraculous Experiences See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min
  2. MAR 10

    Pete Holmes On Letting Go of Labels, Spiritual Freedom & Laughter

    Comedian Pete Holmes joins Ben Higgins for a deep dive into comedy, faith, and finding true freedom. Pete shares personal stories—divorce, heartbreak, spiritual awakening through Ram Dass and psilocybin, and a journey from strict evangelical roots to embracing spaciousness and play. They dissect why we take life too seriously, the power of laughter to connect us, what spirituality really means beyond labels, and how Pete uses comedy to reveal our shared weirdness. Plus: thoughts on the afterlife, finding peace in uncertainty, Pete’s new special "Silly Silly Fun Boy", and why confession makes us less alone. Tune in for wisdom, honesty, and lots of laughs. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Comedy, Spirituality, and Freedom01:04 Ben’s Comedy Envy02:56 The Comedian’s Safe Space04:26 Laughing at Darkness05:46 Generational Humor Shifts06:06 Spirituality and Playfulness08:49 Lightness, Faith, and Identity09:59 Breaking Free from Labels13:39 Pete’s Spiritual Journey18:49 Heartbreak and Rethinking God20:14 Mushrooms and Awareness21:33 Beyond Words and Spiritual Experience22:51 Myth, Story, and Meaning23:56 Finding Clarity in Doubt25:11 Everyday Awareness and Acceptance29:08 Life, Death, and Consciousness33:09 Oneness, Afterlife, and Self35:34 Bridging Comedy and Depth38:16 Vulnerability, Confession, Connection42:13 Laughter’s Healing and Holiness46:45 Silly Silly Fun Boy Promo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  3. MAR 3

    Ruston Kelly on Art, Faith, and Overcoming Spiritual Paralysis

    Songwriter Ruston Kelly joins Ben Higgins for a raw, honest conversation on “If You Can Hear Me.” Ruston shares his creative process, spiritual journey, and how making sense of pain fuels his music. The episode explores his struggles with addiction, faith, and the transformative power of gratitude, culminating in his experience with the divine and the impact of love in his life. Discover how Ruston’s latest album, “Pale Through the Window,” became a testament to healing and connection. If you’ve ever felt alone, this episode offers comfort, insight, and a powerful reminder that fulfillment comes not from chasing success, but from community and authenticity. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Mission Behind Ruston’s Music00:00 Spiritual Paralysis and Finding God00:48 Ben Higgins Welcomes Ruston Kelly01:18 Music’s Impact on the Soul02:27 What Connection Really Means03:54 Aloneness, Community, and Healing05:55 Addiction, Suffering, and Fulfillment07:17 Career Versus Meaning08:20 Temptation to Shift for Success09:58 Balancing Art and Commerce12:05 Competing and Comparing in Industry14:44 Longing, Despair, and Worship16:34 Idols and False Selves18:20 Encounter With the Divine22:09 Gratitude and Spiritual Awakening28:07 Doubt After Spiritual Experience30:42 Trials and Building Back36:03 Creating “Pale Through the Window”38:43 Trusting the Creative Process45:19 Joy, Simplicity, and Vulnerability47:18 Meeting Tia and True Love51:21 God’s Timing in Relationships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We’re all looking for something.   In If You Can Hear Me, Ben Higgins sits down with people from all walks of life—celebrities, thinkers, everyday folks—to talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope.   These are honest conversations about the big stuff: identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out.   If you’ve ever felt like there must be more to the story—this show is for you.

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