It's Ben a Week

Ben McDonnell
  • 4.9 (131)
  • COMEDY INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"It’s Ben a Week" is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by barrel racer and photographer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.

  1. 1D AGO

    Connection Has Ben Missing (ft. Melissa Daniels)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by Melissa Daniels, a producer turned creator who left her life in Los Angeles to go on a cross-country “reset tour” — driving city to city and hosting potluck dinners with strangers. What started as a personal creative reset quickly turned into something much bigger: a social experiment around connection, loneliness, and what community actually looks like today. Melissa shares how burnout, the LA wildfires, and years of helping others execute their creative visions pushed her to finally step outside her comfort zone and create something of her own. Together, they dive into: • Why people feel more disconnected than ever (despite social media) • The difference between online connection and real-life relationships • Hosting intimate dinners with strangers across the country • How vulnerability creates instant community • Why discomfort is necessary for growth • “Fake it till you make it” vs “practice it until you become it” • Self-love, emotional regulation, and breaking negative patterns Ben also shares his perspective on modern relationships, social media culture, and why genuine connection feels harder to find than ever. Plus, Breaking Point returns with a rant about people not responding to emails and Melissa’s nightmare Airbnb experience while road-tripping with her cat. If you’ve been craving real connection, meaningful conversations, or a reset in your own life, this episode will hit home. Connect with Melissa: The Reset Tour Project: http://www.theresettourproject.com/ Find her on instagram here Melissa is documenting her journey across the country through her reset tour, hosting community dinners and creating space for real, meaningful connection. She’s currently sharing updates through her personal Instagram and her mindfulness-focused page. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    40 min
  2. We've All Ben Through Trauma (ft. Camryn Watson)

    APR 7

    We've All Ben Through Trauma (ft. Camryn Watson)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with trauma therapist Camryn Watson, LPC for a conversation that turns into something way more personal than expected. From breaking down what “trauma” actually means (and why it’s become such a buzzword) to exploring how our past shapes our present, this episode dives into the real psychology behind how we cope, avoid, and heal.   Ben opens up about his own childhood, his complicated relationship with his stepdad, and a completely unexpected moment that had him sobbing on the couch over Hannah Montana — and what it revealed about his past. They get into trauma vs. “wounds,” how two people can experience the same event completely differently, and why coping mechanisms like humor can both help and hide deeper emotions. Camryn explains how trauma impacts the nervous system, why some people stay stuck in a victim mindset, and what real healing actually looks like. The conversation also explores therapy misconceptions, inner child work, relationships, and the moment many people “turn on themselves” — often without realizing it. Plus, Ben and AJ unpack everything afterward, diving deeper into self-awareness, growth, and why having someone in your corner — whether it’s a therapist, coach, or mentor — can change everything. This episode is funny, honest, uncomfortable, and deeply relatable — all at the same time. Connect with Camryn Watson, LPC 📧 Email: Camryn@lifevibes.co 🌐 Website: https://lifevibes.co 🧠 Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/camryn-watson-fort-worth-tx/988354 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    1h 9m
  3. The Charges Have Ben Stacking Up (ft. 4x Felon)

    MAR 31

    The Charges Have Ben Stacking Up (ft. 4x Felon)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with a guest whose story sounds unbelievable — until you realize it’s completely real. From being a normal teenager with a good life to becoming a four-time convicted felon, this episode dives into how a series of small decisions, bad influences, and a flawed system completely changed the course of her life. What started with unknowingly accepting a fake $100 bill quickly escalated into felony charges, jail time, a prison rehab program (SAFP), and 10 years of probation — all before the age of 20. She shares the full story, including: • How she was charged with organized crime and forgery • The moment she was arrested and sent to jail at 18 • What life is really like inside a women’s prison program • The reality of SAFP (Substance Abuse Felony Punishment) • Why probation can feel set up for failure • A false positive drug test that nearly sent her back to prison • How one mistake can follow you for life Ben reacts in real time as the story unfolds — asking the questions everyone is thinking and unpacking how something so small turned into something so serious. This episode is a raw look at the justice system, accountability, second chances, and what it really means to move forward after your past doesn’t disappear. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    1h 4m
  4. It’s Ben 20 Years of Hannah Montana (ft. AJ)

    MAR 24

    It’s Ben 20 Years of Hannah Montana (ft. AJ)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben and AJ kick things off by celebrating the 20-year anniversary of Hannah Montana — and Ben fully leans into his lifelong obsession with Miley Cyrus, sharing stories from concerts, meeting her multiple times, and even ending up on The Ellen Show because of her. The conversation turns into a bigger discussion about celebrity culture, fame, and how social media has completely changed the way we experience entertainment. From the days of controlled media moments to today’s nonstop content overload, Ben and AJ break down why everything feels faster, louder, and less meaningful. Then it’s full chaos as they recap a nonstop travel stretch — from Cabo and Miami to Nashville and Austin for SXSW — including singing the national anthem at Mizzou, wild nights out, celebrity run-ins, and why Nashville might just be “Vegas with cowboy boots.” They also get into: • The reality of influencer culture vs real talent  • Why everything on social media feels oversaturated  • SXSW parties, iHeart & Spotify events, and unexpected reunions  • Drag bars, country music overload, and Broadway in Nashville  • Ranch life, landscaping struggles, and moving thousands of pounds of rock If you love pop culture, Miley Cyrus, travel chaos, social media commentary, and unfiltered comedy podcasts, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    34 min
  5. Dorothy Has Ben Found (ft. Bethany Weaver)

    MAR 17

    Dorothy Has Ben Found (ft. Bethany Weaver)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by Bethany Weaver, the actress and choreographer stepping into one of the most iconic roles of all time — Dorothy in Wicked. Bethany shares what it was like being cast in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation, how the role is intentionally portrayed in a more mysterious and physical way, and why her performance focuses on movement, silhouette, and storytelling rather than traditional on-screen presence. Ben and Bethany dive into the reality of building a career in acting, the discipline it takes to stay ready for opportunities, and what it actually looks like behind the scenes of a major film production. They also talk about Broadway, choreography, auditioning, and the pressure that comes with stepping into a character audiences already feel deeply connected to. As always, the episode keeps its edge — blending real career insight with humor, candid conversation, and Ben’s signature commentary. If you’re interested in Wicked, Broadway, acting, film casting, or behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    1 hr
  6. This Story Has Ben Locked Away for Years (ft. Maria Hynan)

    MAR 10

    This Story Has Ben Locked Away for Years (ft. Maria Hynan)

    This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben recaps a wild trip to Missouri where AJ performed the National Anthem at a sold-out Mizzou vs Arkansas basketball game on ESPN. From courtside VIP access and locker room tours to experiencing his first-ever college basketball game, Ben shares what it was like watching AJ sing in front of 20,000 people. But the story doesn’t stop there. Ben also reflects on college culture, dorm life, and why living with roommates was never exactly his aesthetic. The conversation turns into a hilarious and slightly unhinged throwback when Ben calls his longtime friend Maria to revisit one of their most chaotic nights ever. After a Lady Gaga concert, a drunken piggyback ride went horribly wrong — resulting in a dislocated elbow, a late-night ER visit, Domino’s pizza delivered to the hospital, an attempted break-in to a medical drug cabinet, and two very intoxicated friends accidentally falling asleep in a hospital bed. Yes… it’s exactly as ridiculous as it sounds. Ben and Maria break down the full story, from the moment the injury happened to the questionable decisions that followed, and why looking back at your early twenties always makes you ask one question: What the hell were we thinking? This episode has everything:  sports, concerts, emergency rooms, bad decisions, and the kind of stories that only get funnier with time. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    33 min
  7. I've Ben Flying at 30,000' (ft. Joe The Pilot)

    MAR 3

    I've Ben Flying at 30,000' (ft. Joe The Pilot)

    The world feels like it’s on fire — and Ben is boarding a flight anyway. On this episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by friend Joe, a commercial airline pilot flying one of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, for a behind-the-scenes deep dive into aviation, fear of flying, turbulence, airplane safety, and what really happens in the cockpit. They break down: • Do you actually need airplane mode?  • Can a plane fly on one engine?  • What happens during turbulence?  • Do pilots sleep on long-haul flights?  • How safe is commercial air travel really?  • What happens if landing gear doesn’t deploy? Joe shares real stories from 20+ years of flying — including engine failures, bird strikes, auto-land landings in low visibility, and why flying is still statistically safer than driving. Then in this week’s Breaking Point, Ben unloads on airport behavior — TSA confusion, zone boarding chaos, adults wearing pajamas, barefoot passengers, and why flying etiquette has completely collapsed. AJ joins at the end to talk turbulence anxiety, travel rituals, and their upcoming trips (including AJ singing the national anthem during wartime). If you’ve ever feared turbulence, questioned airplane safety, or lost your mind watching someone in 37B block the aisle — this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    58 min
  8. It’s Ben the 2026 Olympics (ft. Cassandra)

    FEB 24

    It’s Ben the 2026 Olympics (ft. Cassandra)

    Ben has done it again — he accidentally started internet drama. After posting a short clip about barrel racing culture being “a little clicky,” Ben somehow triggered 150,000+ views, thousands of comments, and a wave of angry Facebook users — all because he said, “Everyone needs to calm down. You’re not Beyoncé.” In this episode of It’s Ben A Week, Ben reads the wildest hate comments, responds to online trolls, and breaks down how quickly social media outrage spirals. From grammar wars to legal threats from “Debbie from Facebook,” this is peak internet chaos. Then the energy shifts to a chaotic recap of the 2026 Winter Olympics with returning guest Cassandra. They debate figure skating meltdowns, Olympic pressure, Lindsey Vonn’s injury, bobsled logic, and whether they could realistically train for the next Games. AJ joins at the end to talk about engagement anniversaries, relationship awareness, and why spatial awareness in a warm-up pen might actually be a life skill. If you love internet drama, Olympics commentary, comedy podcasts, or watching people argue in Facebook comment sections — this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell. 📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com 💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com

    47 min
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4.9
out of 5
131 Ratings

About

"It’s Ben a Week" is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by barrel racer and photographer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben McDonnell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's Ben a Week
  • Show Website
    It's Ben a Week

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