You’re Not Crazy with John Wentz

In this episode, Ben interviews Tyler Prieb, Founder and Executive Director of Missional Labs. Tyler talks about how we should be looking for clues and digging into our stories to understand what God has called us to do. He gives insight on how we can infuse the spiritual reality into our natural giftings. You’ll also discover what your ambition has to tell you about the good works prepared for you. The frontier of the unknown can be your greatest discovery.

In this episode, Ben interviews Aaron Graham, founding and lead pastor of The District Church in Washington, D.C. Aaron shares how being held hostage as a child led to his passion to make a difference in the world. He discusses receiving an invitation to a significant meeting with President Obama. As you listen, you’ll be encouraged to start something new that you would love to be part of personally. Aaron wraps up this conversation by offering us wisdom on how we should approach the election this year.

This month, Ben sits down for a fascinating conversation with John Wentz, the CEO of Alpha USA. John shares the path that led him to this significant assignment and how we all need to hear, “You’re not crazy!”, if we’re going to pursue a big vision. We talk about getting the right why, what, and how people around our table. John explains that how you make your decisions is often even more important than what decision you make.

Ben has an inspiring and helpful conversation with Dan Wright, a Co-Founder and CEO at Armada. Dan shares how you can align your values to solve actual problems in the world. He talks about the impact of creating a Wisdom Table in his life and how you can benefit from doing the same. You’ll also discover how to align your priorities around the person you want to be now and in the future.

To kick off a new year, Ben coaches us on how we can set our intention and direction in pursuing the vision for our life and work in 2024. He shares how you can turn what seems impossible to something that’s quite possible. You’ll discover how these 4 obstacles can stand in the way of where you are today and where you want to be when you close out this year: MINDSET, FOCUS, EFFORT, and OWNERSHIP. 

Shauna Pilgreen joins Ben to discuss how influence works during seasons of obscurity and how maintaining a hidden life is crucial when you find your platform growing. They share what we can do when we feel unseen or insignificant. They also discuss the best ways we can pursue our deep desire to be known. Ben & Shauna offer a behind the scenes look into their personal journey from a mostly hidden life to one that’s a bit more public.

Ben has a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with John Ortberg on the significance of our inner life and how it affects our external reality. John is one of the most important voices in our world on the topic of spiritual formation. This interview covers the practices necessary to sustain the assignments we’ve been given, the purpose of solitude in our lives, and how the main thing anyone gets out of our lives is the actual person we become.

In this month’s episode, Ben sits down with Reed Dickens - the founder of LA GOLF. Reed shares how setting aside daily time and space for quiet reflection has enabled him to solve problems and see significant success. He speaks to the advantages that come when you can visualize what is possible for your future. This practice led Reed to work for former President George W. Bush and to be the CEO of Marucci Sports. He shares how there’s risk of failure in everything, so why go after something that really matters. Reed and Ben have known each other since they were teenagers, which makes this interview extra fun.

Ben kicks off Season 3 of the Bring It Out podcast with Andy Wood, the lead pastor of Saddleback Church. Andy shares what it was like to walk away from the church he started and to follow Rick Warren, who founded and led Saddleback for over 40 years. This conversation also covers why we should give our best regardless of how big or small our assignment is, what you do when your current season seems like it's coming to a close, and why you should be willing to disappoint some people.

Ben wraps up Season 2 by having a fun and inspiring conversation with Mark Batterson. Mark is the founder and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. He is also the author of more than 20 books, including: The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, and Please Sorry Thanks. Ben and Mark discuss how our weaknesses can bring power into our lives, how your definition of success determines what you say “yes” to, and why your vision should always surpass the current resources available to you.