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. 1d ago

    Love Me Anyway — Writing the Song I Was Afraid to Play My Mom, with Alana Springsteen

    Alana Springsteen grew up in a house where prayer was the answer to everything—including an eating disorder no one talked about out loud. In this conversation, the country artist opens up about her new album *I Hope This Helps* and the years of quiet work behind it: the breakup that broke her trust in herself, the chameleon habits she picked up as a kid, and the phone call from her 85-year-old pastor grandfather questioning why she'd see a psychiatrist instead of just praying about it. We talk about:- Moving to Nashville at 14 with no plan B- Writing "Love Me Anyway" as a letter to herself, her family, and God- The moment her mom asked, "Is that your story or mine?"- Why questions deepened her faith instead of dismantling it- What it looks like to ask for help in a community that calls it a lack of faith- Living in the messy middle of a healing journey with no finish line For anyone who's ever felt like the kid looking through the window at a party they weren't invited to—this one's for you. Listen to *I Hope This Helps* wherever you stream music. TIMESTAMPS 00:08 Meet Alana: from Pungo to Nashville02:39 Has success changed her definition of why04:36 Finding her "why" beyond fame07:25 The relationship that shattered her trust08:41 Writing "Love Me Anyway" as a confession11:55 Growing up as the family caretaker15:44 Playing "Note to Self" for her mom20:29 Faith built on fear vs. transformed faith26:14 The eating disorder no one talked about28:42 Her grandfather's reaction to therapy33:18 Why the album is titled "I Hope This Helps"37:26 The loneliness of choosing a different path See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  2. 4d ago

    Young Washington: The Origin Story of the Original American, with Diederik Hoogstraten

    What happens when a kid from the Netherlands grows up to write the origin story of America's first president? In this episode, screenwriter Diederik Hoogstraten joins Ben to talk about Young Washington — the Wonder Project film releasing July 3rd to mark America's 250th — and why an immigrant might be uniquely positioned to remind us what this country actually is. We get into: - Growing up progressive in 1980s Holland and how Family Ties (yes, really) planted the seeds- Becoming a U.S. citizen in 2019 and what most Americans miss about their own country- The Wonder Project, House of David, and building a studio for the audience Hollywood forgot- Writing George Washington from age 11 to 22 — the failures, the loss, the overbearing mother- Why failure shaped Washington's character (and what that means for the rest of us)- A Native American chief, a battlefield, and the moment Washington's purpose became clear A conversation about country, craft, and the kind of leader formed in the quiet years. Young Washington hits theaters July 3rd. CHAPTERS:00:48 Welcome & guest intro02:18 Why an immigrant celebrates America 25003:51 Family Ties and discovering America06:28 World Cup as a unifying moment12:48 What the Wonder Project is17:15 Faith-based or family-friendly?22:19 The loneliness of screenwriting27:10 Why focus on young Washington30:34 Balancing history with creative license36:36 How failure shapes leaders43:05 What viewers should take away48:09 How the project changed him See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min

  3. Jun 15

    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. CHAPTERS00:32 Welcome to If You Can Hear Me01:11 Why mentorship matters now05:35 Bush's "what's the worst that could happen"08:11 The yes that made her press secretary14:41 Staying excited in a new chapter19:51 Meeting Peter on a plane23:16 Humility vs. imposter syndrome30:06 Inside Purple State's characters34:39 The epidemic of interruption40:24 Don't worry your 20s away44:06 Silent prayers on the subway49:53 Who Purple State is really for See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min

  4. Jun 2

    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. TIMESTAMPS00:01 Meeting the Power Couple00:37 Doing Life and Work Together01:13 Becoming YouTube Creators03:13 Risks and Early Content Strategy05:02 Navigating Content and Authenticity09:27 Vulnerability and Boundaries Online12:18 How They Structure Work and Home15:00 Routines, Rhythms, and Priorities17:47 Why Write “The Courage to Commit”20:05 The Countercultural Value of Commitment22:05 Getting to Know Your Spouse24:19 Systems for Deeper Marriage Connection27:28 Commitment as a Path to Freedom29:07 Commitment, Faith, and Sacred Moments36:25 Knowing When to Prune or Quit42:58 Making Decisions as a Couple46:19 Why Read “The Courage to Commit” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  5. May 27

    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. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Faith, Religion, and Curiosity02:09 Sobriety and Spiritual Discovery04:38 Reading Richard Rohr & Faith Journeys06:09 Family, Bandmates, and Faith Development08:06 Pressure and Support From Bandmates10:16 Purpose, Legacy, and Living for More14:40 God Beyond the Box16:07 Struggling With Religious Exclusivity18:35 The Catalyst for Change: Sobriety22:12 Growth, Family, and God Moments25:57 Life and Joy After Sobriety27:22 Social Life Without Drinking30:13 New Priorities, Legacy, and Respect32:13 Marriage, Support, and Forgiveness37:03 "Songs for a New Moon" Inspiration41:42 Vulnerability, Shame, and Recovery45:20 Lady A’s Next Chapter and New Music See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min

  6. May 19

    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. TIMESTAMPS00:01 Living With Intentional Presence01:29 Stepping Back From Social Media02:01 Rest, Prayer, and “Fighting Irrelevance”03:37 The Personal Impact of Logging Off05:03 Social Media and Career Choices06:15 Wrestling With Fear of Missing Out09:00 College, Anxiety, and Comparison11:05 Faith, Ego, and Self-Promotion13:25 Rediscovering Authentic Christianity15:32 Purity, Privacy, and Decision-Making17:08 Set Apart Yet Engaged19:31 Redefining “Of the World”21:05 Personal Transformation Stories25:22 Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment32:24 Navigating Ambition and Purpose36:35 Letting Go of Limitations on God42:07 Disappointment, Humility, and Stewardship46:54 Life Updates and Local Roots52:09 Wrestling With the Bible’s Role See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr

  7. May 12

    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. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Growing Up Near South Bend00:01:27 Choosing Notre Dame Over USC00:02:08 Faith and Decision-Making00:03:26 Adjusting to Notre Dame00:05:30 Finding Common Ground in Faith00:06:48 Family Visits and Spirituality00:08:16 Addressing Faith Differences00:10:20 Heisman Season and Public Spotlight00:11:34 The Untold Docuseries Reflected00:13:31 Healing After the Scandal00:14:00 Separating Narrative from Reality00:17:17 Losing and Finding Support00:20:17 Rock Bottom, Faith, and Peace00:21:42 Forgiveness Toward Others and Self00:25:43 Handling Bullying and Memes00:28:57 Rebuilding Identity and Resilience00:30:16 Encountering the Catfisher’s Family00:33:06 Addressing Mormon Misconceptions00:41:17 Relationship to Jesus Christ00:46:43 Encouragement for Those Struggling See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min

  8. May 5

    Losing Everything at 50: How Finding Joy Rescued My Life

    From corporate boardrooms to shoveling donkey poop in Gucci, Ron King shares his incredible journey from a high-flying magazine executive at Time Inc. to founding Oscar’s Place, a sanctuary for rescued donkeys. After losing everything at 50 and facing personal lows, Ron King discovers the difference between enjoyment and true joy. Hear how a viral TikTok video and a persistent friend led him to a life of unexpected purpose, heartbreak, and happiness—and how he’s bringing donkey rescue to national TV with his new ABC show, Donkey King. If you’ve ever wondered if reinvention is possible at any age, don’t miss this moving conversation about hitting rock bottom, finding meaning, and helping those most overlooked. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why Ron King Inspires00:50 When Not to Follow Your Passion01:43 A Glance at Corporate Success02:31 Ron King’s Path to Magazines04:27 Recovery, Addiction, and Redemption07:28 Falling into New Chapters09:44 The Persistence that Paid Off11:16 Lessons from Hitting Bottom13:31 Defining and Finding Real Joy14:35 How Donkeys Changed Everything20:18 Building a Donkey Sanctuary26:48 Why Donkeys (and Not Horses)?30:00 Oscar’s Place on ABC’s Donkey King35:36 Balancing Joy and Heavy Work37:42 Ron King’s Advice: Hold On40:22 How to Support Oscar’s Place See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    If You Can Hear Me

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