It's Ben a Week
It's Ben a Week
Podcast Description
"It’s Ben a Week" is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by actor, barrel racer, and photographer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes including religion, personal stories, sobriety, life challenges, and fitness journeys. Notable episodes include discussions on faith and LGBTQ+ relations, conversations around sobriety and the non-alcoholic beverage industry, chaotic personal anecdotes, and reflections on community amidst adversity.
“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.
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
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.