Gary Player shares his unorthodox methods of staying mentally sharp, includingintentionally driving behind slow drivers on the highway and slapping himself in the face, repeatedly.
We revisit Graham’s 2018 chat with the Super Bowl champ turned Emmy-winning TV star, Michael Strahan. The seven-time Pro Bowler reflects on his move from daytime TV to morning news, predicts his eventual retirement and reflects on 15 years with the Giants. Strahan also discusses his childhood in Germany and a deep conversation with his father that changed everything.
Ron Howard fondly remembers his father Rance, who doubled as his personal acting coach. Plus, Ron’s brother Clint Howard joins the conversation and paints a picture as to how their father politely challenged Andy Griffith and helped shape the depth of Opie Taylor as Ron’s character on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Later, Ron remembers when Andy Griffith took center stage at an end-of-season wrap party and announced his departure from the show, plus the warm embrace of a cast reunion nearly 20 years later that validated his childhood emotions.
Misty Copeland - named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine - takes us through encounters with racism and microaggressions throughout her illustrious career in ballet. Misty recalls dance companies forcing her to wear tights accustomed to white dancers, a makeup artist who planned to apply white powder to her face and more generally a shortage of opportunities and access for Black ballet dancers. Later, she talks of an impulse to run away from racial disparities and obstacles at American Ballet Theatre, but instead leaned into lessons learned from her mother
We revisit Graham’s 2015 chat with Jesse Ventura. The former WWE wrestler and governor of Minnesota emotionally remembers spending a day with Muhammad Ali, explains his falling out with Hulk Hogan and discusses his time in office – which included a trip to Cuba to meet with the late Fidel Castro. Plus, Ventura reflects on Navy SEAL training and his role in the movie Predator.
Clayton Kershaw discusses growing in his Christian faith and how he uses his personal success to glorify God’s name.
Sports broadcasting icon Bob Costas remembers his upbringing, including anecdotes from his father’s gambling addiction. Costas talks of his dad passing away at an early age due to a heart attack and unexpectedly receiving an envelope containing $6,000 in cash at the funeral. He ponders what life would be like if his dad were alive to witness his career growth and remembers his mom Jayne for her good-natured, self-deprecating humor, among other things.
Howie Mandel - a standup comedian turned actor, Deal or No Deal host, America's Got Talent judge and podcast star - joined Graham Bensinger to talk about his life in the spotlight. Mandel looks back on his rise to fame, his ongoing battle with OCD and depression, and the emotions of coping with his grandson’s cancer diagnosis. Now, with so much success to his name, Mandel discusses why he's still pushing for more, appreciating "the chase" as much today as he did when he was beginning his career.
Growing up, Dak Prescott didn’t have much. From trailer park-living to nights in a motel because they couldn’t pay the electric bill, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback spent his childhood in poverty. But he says his mother worked hard to keep that struggle from her sons and he wouldn’t change that for anything. The trials he faced created a man who was able to appreciate and trust others, and ultimately instilled in him the love of football he has today.
Recognized as one of the most powerful women in the NBA, Jeanie Buss shares times she has encountered sexism in the workplace. Jeanie recalls facing condescension and bullying during a business negotiation, as well as sexual harassment at a conference. She attributes her resilience and strength to the empowerment she received from her father and the guidance she got from strong women such as Billie Jean King and Jane Fonda.
Graham Bensinger travels to Baltimore to meet with Kevin Plank, the former collegiate football player and founder of the multi-billion dollar sportswear company Under Armour. They discuss the tragic loss of Plank’s father at 19, address challenges surrounding the company, and explore his ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the city of Baltimore.
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet shares how he and fiancée Lindsay first met through social media and how his work with his charity "Big Slick" strengthened their bond. They discuss knowing they’d found "their person" during the pandemic and how Eric’s playful nature complements Lindsay’s grounded personality. The couple plans to host a combined wedding and housewarming party at their Kansas property, humorously noting that "Sofia Vergara is only coming once."
Killer Mike addresses his lifestyle changes that resulted in him losing more than 100 pounds. He stresses the importance of his ‘power hour’ - the first hour of the day when he meditates, exercises and prioritizes his well being. Saying he started to see too many of his friends die, he realized his need to get his diet under control to be around for a long time for his children.
Graham Bensinger travels to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, to spend a day with NFL star T.J. Watt. The perennial all-pro reflects on his unorthodox childhood, growing up in the shadow of his brothers J.J. and Derek. Watt gets candid about his feelings of abandonment and resentment during high school, his battles with injuries and the mindset that later fueled his rise. Plus, he shares the powerful story of his daughter’s birth.
Football legend Steve Young looks back on his time in the USFL and on the 49ers. He details his $40 million deal with the USFL’s LA Express and joining the San Francisco 49ers as a backup quarterback to Joe Montana. He also remembers the “interesting” way he handled his checks in his early 49ers days.
Actor and author Matthew McConaughey shares premarital conversations between him and his now-wife Camila Alves McConaughey, including how they want to approach their partnership differently than their parents. Later, he offers up a few of the motivational mantras both he and Camila work to instill in their children, including how they don’t subscribe to words like “can’t” and “hate,” and the long-term benefits of dealing with discomfort immediately.
Legendary Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson invites Graham Bensinger to his home in Detroit, where he discusses their previous rift with the Lions’ ownership, a budding cannabis business and family life raising three boys. The first-ballot hall of famer also opens up about his decision to retire earlier than many expected.
Two-time Emmy award-winning actor Eric Stonestret, a passionate fan of both the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, reveals how a single phone call turned him into part owner of the Royals and how he will never miss a home game at Arrowhead Stadium. He fondly remembers getting season tickets with his dad and the enjoyment he found playing the “Randy Reed” character. The Modern Family star also talks about his friendship with NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, and, of course, Graham makes sure to get his thoughts on the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.
14-time NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki is surprised when asked to dip way back into childhood stories, including a propensity for chewing gum and an initial distaste for the sport that made him famous on a global level. Plus, Dirk talks fondly of his long-time mentor Holger Geschwindner, including how Holger would broaden his horizons with introductions to novels, the saxophone and fencing.
Graham sits down with Emmitt Smith to discuss moments from his NFL career, including the Cowboys’ infamous reputation, the Sports Illustrated cover jinx, and his first meeting with his football idol. The iconic running back also addresses his life in business, and gives his opinion as to why the NFL settlement with former players isn’t enough.
Sir Richard Branson shares his most notable failure: an aggressive misstep in Times Square that placed Virgin Cola in the crosshairs of Coca-Cola and led to the swift retail disappearance of Virgin Cola. Branson also tells of his optimistic approach to life and especially business opportunities.
Brazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira looks back on her first world record-qualifying surf in 2018 that was initially snubbed by the World Surf League, until Gabeira took it upon herself to rally public support. After a petition to acknowledge her world record feat was signed by more than 20,000 people, she was eventually granted the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a female (68 feet high). Gabeira also talks of her second Guinness World Record, landing global recognition in 2020 for the largest wave surfed by anyone that year - 73 feet. She also explains her push for the industry to adopt a scientific method for judging Biggest Wave submissions.
Richard Branson invites Graham to the Bahamas as Sir Richard hosts his annual Necker Cup Tennis Pro-Am. Branson shares some of his most impactful stories, including death-defying hot air balloon expeditions, excessive Formula 1 celebrations and overcoming hardships as he ventured into new industries, including commercial space travel.
NBA Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley, on why his Nike role model commercial means so much to him. Interview was taped in 2014.
Kyle’s Busch’s remarkable 2015 comeback is an inspiring story of resilience and a determination to bounce back from disaster. As told here by Kyle Busch, a February 2015 crash left Kyle with a double compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot… and fears that he’d never race again. To the contrary, Kyle’s intense recovery had him (painfully) back behind the wheel in May and winning his first NASCAR Cup Championship that November.
Graham spends the day with the most decorated professional surfer ever, 11-time world champion, Kelly Slater. Slater - both the youngest and oldest surfer to win world titles - opens up about bringing surfing to the Summer Olympics, coping with his father’s battle with alcoholism and a recent near-death experience during a surfing accident. The episode debuted nationwide in 2016.
Alex Honnold on how he prepares for a climb by visualizing himself in all aspects of the climb, even death.
Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren recalls the impact of years of therapy sessions, which he started in 2012. Dolph looks inward as he shares how therapy taught him to be honest with himself and examine the darkest areas in his past. He continues by remembering the lowest point in his life - prior to therapy - when he was a drinking heavily, disappearing for days on drinking benders with random women and wrestling with suicidal ideation.
Award-winning actor Kelsey Grammer, best known for his roles in Cheers and Frasier, tells Graham about the reboot of his popular character. Grammer talks family, the importance of his on-screen father-figure, coping with the murder and loss of his real-life father and sister, and his four marriages, including the abuse he suffered before finding happiness with his current wife.
Comedian Nikki Glaser walks us through the ebbs and flows of her long-term relationship with boyfriend Chris Convy, including their first meeting, Nikki’s request for Chris to entertain experiences with other women and her admission that she’s found “the one.” Plus, we hear from Nikki’s father EJ, who says that it’s about time Nikki and Chris “sh*t or get off the pot.”