Caller ID

Brandon Davis Wells
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Careers

 Caller ID is a conversation-driven podcast exploring calling, career, and identity through real stories and honest dialogue. Hosted by Brandon Davis Wells, who has served in many roles from career coach, to college baseball coach, to broadcast professional for major networks like ESPN, IheartMedia, and more. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with professionals, creatives, leaders, and everyday people wrestling with the same questions we all face: Who am I called to be? What work fits who I’m becoming? How do faith, values, and purpose shape the way we work? This isn’t a podcast about quick career hacks or hustle culture. It’s about work that forms us, choices that matter, and finding meaning in the long, often winding path of vocation. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, parent, or someone navigating change, Caller ID offers clarity, perspective, and encouragement for the work ahead.

  1. 3d ago

    S1E23 - Dr. Mohsine Bensaid | More Than Your Output: Dr. Bensaid on Language, Faith, and Not Losing Yourself

    In this episode of Caller ID, Brandon Davis Wells talks with Dr. Mohsine Bensaid—Ashland University assistant professor and TESOL program director—about identity beyond the usual “what do you do?” question. Bensaid shares how growing up in Morocco, dreaming of pro soccer, and discovering English through an influential teacher shaped his path into language, education, and intercultural exchange. He recounts navigating rigid schooling, pursuing English linguistics and literature, and seizing opportunities that eventually brought him to the U.S., where he experienced higher education as a global “melting pot.” They discuss why language learning and intercultural understanding matter, the value of exploring in college, and how his Islamic faith frames work as worship rooted in integrity and service. The core takeaway: your job shouldn’t carry the full weight of your worth—balance means not losing yourself in any one role. 00:00 Burnout And Balance 00:24 Meet Dr Bensaid 01:00 Beyond What You Do 02:05 Soccer And Family Joy 03:16 Injury Ends The Dream 03:49 Morocco School Choices 05:03 Finding English Passion 09:46 University Culture Shock 12:26 Chasing Exchange Opportunities 15:18 Fulbright And The US Leap 17:39 Higher Ed Melting Pot 19:44 Making Intercultural Priority 20:20 Small Town Initiative 20:54 Why Languages Matter 22:17 Morocco vs US Schools 23:37 Back Home Teaching 26:28 Returning to Ashland 28:20 Networking Lands ACCESS 30:21 Exploring Careers 33:46 Faith and Work 36:43 Final Career Wisdom 39:34 Closing Thanks Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    40 min

  2. Jun 23

    Lessons in Leadership with Linda Rutherford (Part 2 of 2)

    In part two of our 2-part call, Linda and I dive into all kinds of topics, including:why someone stays at a company like Southwest Airlines for a long time, mentorship, what growing up in a single parent household meant, mentorship, paying it forward, how to deal with imposter syndrome, women in leadership, Clifton Strengths, and what she looked for in candidates to work on her team.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    29 min

  3. Jun 16

    500 Times in a Spiral Notebook: Lessons in Listening with Linda Rutherford (Part 1)

    What does it take to go from an entry-level employee to the Chief Administration Officer of one of America's most beloved companies? In Part 1 of my conversation with Linda Rutherford, we explore Linda's remarkable career journey from the newspaper industry to the executive leadership team at Southwest Airlines. After losing her newspaper job when her employer closed, Linda found an opportunity at Southwest and spent decades growing into one of the airline's most influential leaders. Along the way, she discovered that one of the most important leadership skills isn't speaking—it's listening. Linda shares how a fifth-grade teacher changed the course of her life by making her write the "Wise Old Owl" poem 500 times in a spiral notebook, a lesson that would later shape her leadership philosophy, influence her writing on listening, and guide her contributions to books on leadership and organizational change. In this episode, we discuss: • Making career pivots after unexpected setbacks  • Growing from an entry-level role into executive leadership  • Why listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills  • The leadership lessons behind her published work on listening and change management  • How childhood experiences can shape a lifetime of leadership If you've ever faced a career detour, wondered how leaders build trust, or wanted to understand the difference between hearing and truly listening, this conversation is for you. Thanks for Answering the Call. 🎙️ Caller ID Podcast: where life, career, and identity meet. 📲 Listen and subscribe at daviswells.com/caller-id-podcast. Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    25 min

  4. Jun 9

    Practice? We're Talking About Practice? Part 2 with Ashland University Head Men's Basketball Coach John Ellenwood

    In part two of our call, Coach Ellenwood talks about his desire to keep learning and how he deal with getting a little bored.  He also leans into his calling as someone who isn't a hoops expert (although I'll tell you having spent countless days on the road with him and his staff, they're definitely expert level hoops tacticians).  How he deals with losing now vs when he was a younger coach is a marked change, you don't want to miss that.  What brings his biggest frustrations and joys.  And of course, our word association with failure, money, and more.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    30 min

  5. Jun 2

    Talking About Practice...Not A Game (Part 1 of 2 with Men's Basketball Coach, John Ellenwood)

    This week is part one of my call with Ashland University Head Men's Basketball Coach, John Ellenwood. Coaching basketball wasn't the original plan, but it's definitely turned into a calling. Turning down opportunities with the FBI and other major retailers are pieces of the first part of our conversation. John. talks about nearly being fired, and what it took for him to save his job, including dangling by a thread from high in a factory.  John is a deeply, insighful, and loyal man, who happens to also be a fantastic basketball coach.  Listen in to our call as we talk career, identity, and leadership in part one of our two-part call.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    26 min

  6. May 26

    I Wanna Be A Producer (Cleveland Cavs Television Producer, Brent Valenti)

    This week, I catch up with a former boss, Cleveland Cavaliers television producer, Brent Valenti. Brent has produced live Cavalier basketball for the last fifteen years. I served on his home crew for years in the truck.  We talk leadership, how to make it in sports television, what to learn from failure, and how to keep a family together while you're spending time on the road.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    47 min

  7. May 19

    The Road to ESPN (ESPN Director, Adam Bryant III)

    ESPN Director, Adam Bryant, joins me this week on the call, as we talk what it takes to work in sports broadcasting, being an African-American in the tv industry, and you'll hear my old nickname with the worldwide leader.  Adam has directed some of the biggest events in sports, from the NBA Playoffs to the WNBA Finals, bowl games, and all kinds of other events.  You can hear him talk about his start in tv from cold calling tv stations in the yellow pages to today.  A great director, but an even better person. Take a listen to this week's call.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    46 min

  8. May 11

    She's On A Roll (Part 2 with Dr. Maura Grady)

    On part two of our fascinating call, Dr. Grady talks about how she went from grad school to getting a full-time professor role, the impact of AI on higher ed, her amazing work with corrections ed, and some great career wisdom.  You'll also hear about my ridiculous freshman comp story at Ohio University.  Support the show Thanks for listening to Caller ID. You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it. New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well. I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

    38 min
See All (24)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

 Caller ID is a conversation-driven podcast exploring calling, career, and identity through real stories and honest dialogue. Hosted by Brandon Davis Wells, who has served in many roles from career coach, to college baseball coach, to broadcast professional for major networks like ESPN, IheartMedia, and more. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with professionals, creatives, leaders, and everyday people wrestling with the same questions we all face: Who am I called to be? What work fits who I’m becoming? How do faith, values, and purpose shape the way we work? This isn’t a podcast about quick career hacks or hustle culture. It’s about work that forms us, choices that matter, and finding meaning in the long, often winding path of vocation. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, parent, or someone navigating change, Caller ID offers clarity, perspective, and encouragement for the work ahead.

Information

  • Creator
    Brandon Davis Wells
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Caller ID
  • Show Website
    Caller ID

You Might Also Like