It's Ben a Week
"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.
Ep. 48: This Week Has Ben Sex, Scams, and Secret Santa (ft. Joy)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his friend — Joy — for the dirtiest, wildest, and most X-rated episode in the history of the show. And before they even get to the sex talk, Ben has a Thanksgiving meltdown to unload.
The episode opens with Ben’s Thanksgiving Eve nightmare:
A scammer stole $1,000 from him — and did it so convincingly that even Joy admitted she would’ve fallen for it. Ben walks Joy step-by-step through the scam, including:
Ep. 47: Bennifer Take on Bravocon & Wicked (ft. Jennifer Geisser)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his favorite people on earth — Jennifer Geisser, Executive Vice President of Communications for Bravo and Peacock Unscripted, and the woman running the entire Bravo universe while Ben runs around in sparkly shoes.
Before Jen even joins the chat, Ben unleashes a full rant on:
Getting blocked from the Granbury Breaking News Facebook page (shocker)Being surrounded by trash families at the theaterMoviegoers who crinkle Skittles bags during emotional Wicked momentsSnapchatting during a mo...Ep. 46: He’s Ben Abused, Abandoned, and He Survived (ft. Weston Brown)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Weston Brown, a Texas native whose shocking and emotional story has captured national attention.
Weston grew up in a hyper-religious, politically extreme household just outside Dallas — homeschooled, isolated, and forbidden from music, movies, doctors, or anything that didn’t fit a narrow version of “God’s plan.” When he came out as gay, he was fired from his church job, cut off from his family, and told he could never come home.
Years later, Weston discovered that his mother — now living in Granbury —...
Ep. 45: Ben Best Friends with John Wayne’s Granddaughter (ft. Laura Munoz-Bottini)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his best friends — actress and producer Laura Munoz-Bottini, who just happens to be the granddaughter of The Duke himself, John Wayne.
The episode opens with martinis, cinnamon sticks, and chaos as Ben and Laura reminisce about their first acting class together in 2015, where Darrell the acting coach famously told Ben to “go write a letter in the closet and fight for Little Ben.” (Yes — in the closet.)
From there, the conversation flows from laughter to legacy as Laura open...
Ep. 44: Ben Making Spirits Bright (ft. Shane)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, the Christmas season officially begins — and Ben’s not waiting for anyone’s permission.
AJ’s out of town, the Halloween décor is gone, and Mariah Carey has defrosted, which means it’s tree-trimming time. Between giant ornaments hanging from the ceiling and a three-day decorating marathon, Ben dives into why Christmas joy should never be delayed — and why Thanksgiving can kick rocks (dry turkey, stuffing, and all).
After some holiday chaos — including a performance of “Defying Gravity” on a party bus at 70 mph — Th...
Ep. 43: Ben Standing Up, Not Backing Down (Happy Halloween)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s Halloween — and Ben’s fired up.
After a whirlwind of travel from LA to Cabo (and back), Ben’s back home, zipping around the ranch on his Segway, reminiscing about his past Halloween costumes — from Miley Cyrus to Jesus floating on a cloud. But between the laughs and chaos, this episode takes a sharp and heartfelt turn.
A Facebook post claiming “science proves no one is born gay” sets Ben off on a passionate rant about religion, judgment, and why using faith to justify hate isn’t holy — it’...
Ep. 42: Ben Dealing with Disney Adults and Android Users (ft. Bryan & John)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his friends Bryan and John from Out Loud and Laughing for what can only be described as a pumpkin-spiced fever dream.
It starts innocent — PSLs, Starbucks baristas, and why no one uses proper grammar anymore — but spirals quickly into the Android vs. iPhone debate, porn bans in Texas, Disney adult confessions, and Greg Abbott jokes that might get everyone canceled.
From there, Ben and the boys get deep (and deranged):
Broken bed frames...Ep. 41: Ben Living Without Fear (ft. Gabrielle)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined once again by his good friend Gabrielle, and things get deep fast — but not before a Starbucks rant. The blue-haired barista saga continues, complete with foam mishaps, stick-and-poke tattoos, and a debate over why grandmas dye their hair blue.
From there, the conversation shifts from funny to philosophical, as Ben and Gabrielle dive into the idea of fear — how it shapes us, limits us, and how choosing adventure and self-belief can completely transform your life.
They open up about:
The “b...Ep. 40: Ben Down for All the Right Reasons (ft. Tara & Haley)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben welcomes a very special pair of guests — his cousin-in-law Tara, and her daughter Haley, who instantly steals the show.
Tara shares her family’s powerful and emotional story of raising a child with Down syndrome — from the shock of the diagnosis to the overwhelming joy and laughter Haley brings into their lives every day. She opens up about young motherhood, the early medical scares, the misconceptions around disabilities, and how her family turned fear into faith, humor, and love.
Then Haley takes the mic...
Ep. 39: Ben on Hold, Ben on Standby, Ben Over It
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is back with a short and savage solo rant. Two companies landed on his official shit list: AT&T and Starbucks — and he’s not holding back.
It all started with a simple iPhone case return that turned into a full-blown customer service nightmare. Between a useless app, a store manager hiding in the back, and a call center that sounded like a rave in the background, Ben lost his mind trying to return a $45 case.
Then Starbucks caught...
Ep. 38: Ben Wearing Kelly’s Shoes (ft. Liam Kyle Sullivan)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben fulfills a childhood dream — sitting down with viral video pioneer Liam Kyle Sullivan, the creator of Kelly from the Shoes video that defined early YouTube and inspired a generation of comedians.
They dive into everything from the origin of Kelly to how YouTube fame in the 2000s was completely different from TikTok virality today. Liam shares behind-the-scenes stories about creating Shoes, Muffins, and Text Message Breakup, how Susan Walker was born, and why Shoes almost didn’t happen.
The conversation covers:
The Ji...Ep. 37: AJ’s Been Hired, I’ve Ben Fired
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben and AJ are back together — and it’s a rollercoaster.
Ben kicks off with his latest run-ins with religious trolls, from women claiming “being gay is a choice” to strangers spamming his DMs with Bible verses. His clapbacks? Iconic. (“You know what else is a choice? Your dental hygiene.”) AJ brings his calmer perspective, reminding Ben (and all of us) that leading with heart usually wins — but Ben’s still choosing chaos.
Then the conversation moves to:
The infamous bear encounter at the cabin and w...Ep. 36: Ben With Bears (ft. Domenica Albero)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by his new bestie Domenica Albero, fresh from a Northern California “camping” trip that was less sleeping bags, more fairytale chaos.
What started as a Lake Tahoe getaway (complete with a bear under the deck charging at Ben) turned into a full-blown fantasy vacation with castles, rivers, nightly theme parties, and… golf cart near-death experiences.
They break down:
Why every night ended with them on a pool table performing Wicked like it was the TonysBen’s golf cart...Ep. 35: Ben Missing (ft. Cassandra Broadway)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Cassandra Broadway is back, and we’re covering everything from medical meltdowns to missing persons mysteries.
Ben kicks things off with his annual LabCorp rant after another disastrous blood work experience — barcode scanning drama, fasting for nothing, and why phlebotomists have the same customer service energy as the post office.
Then the conversation spirals into:
Why camping feels like punishment when you already live on a ranch with 70 animalsBen’s upcoming “glamping” trip to Northern California with cabins, theme nights, and maybe some mushroomsWhether reality TV r...Ep. 34: Ben Basic About Pumpkin (ft. Sherri)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Sherri is back for her third appearance (making her the show’s most frequent guest — besides AJ, of course). And as always, no topic is off limits.
The episode kicks off with the return of pumpkin spice season at Starbucks, leading to a full breakdown of pumpkin cream cold brews, muffins, candles, and Sherri’s inside knowledge of how to grow (and rotate!) the perfect pumpkin. Things quickly spiral into Starbucks foam wars, blow job comparisons at the drive-thru, and cream cheese confessions.
From the...
Ep. 33: Ben The Life Of Showgays (ft. Bryan & Jon)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, the studio is loud, shady, and glitter-covered as Ben is joined by Bryan and Jon from the podcast Out Loud and Laughing. The mics heat up instantly as the trio dives into Taylor Swift’s new album, Life of a Showgirl — breaking down lyrics, Easter eggs, and why she has the best marketing team.
From there, nothing is off limits — Housewives drama, murder hypotheticals, Caitlyn Jenner rants, pop culture meltdowns, and the eternal question: if you could get away with it, who’s your first...
Ep. 32: He's Ben Writing & Directing Hollywood Blockbusters (ft. Rawson Marshall Thurber)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m joined by Rawson Marshall Thurber — the writer and director behind blockbuster hits like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Central Intelligence, Skyscraper, Red Notice, and the upcoming Voltron film. He’s worked with everyone from Ben Stiller to Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Aniston, and Gal Gadot — and now… me.
Then Rawson and I get into:
How Dodgeball came to beWhat it’s really like working with The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, and Jennifer AnistonThe pressures of directing mega-budget films vs. the joy of smaller comediesDirecting action vs. com...Ep. 31: Ben-eath the Surface: Beauty, Needles & Truth (ft. Botox Queen Laura Fischer)
She’s the only person Ben trusts to poke his face with needles—and for good reason. In this episode, Ben is joined by Beverly Hills-based nurse practitioner and aesthetic guru Laura Fischer for an honest, hilariously relatable, and incredibly informative deep dive into all things skincare, Botox, filler, and the myths surrounding aesthetic treatments.
From what age you should actually start Botox, to the difference between “filler face” and tasteful enhancement, Laura spills all the tea. Ben also shares his own skincare addiction cycles, and why Ben refuses to attend a Botox party in someone’...
Ep. 30: Have You Ben AI-Curious? (ft. ChatGPT)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, we’re trying something new — and maybe a little futuristic. First, Ben kicks things off with some classic rage and chaos: a Starbucks, a Male Truck Drivers, and a bar fight with a cowboy bigot that ends with a bloody vape pen to the face.
Then things take a turn… because our guest this week is not a celebrity, influencer, or mom — it’s ChatGPT.
Yes, Ben interviews artificial intelligence — the app that’s changing the world.
ChatGPT and...
Ep. 29: Ben in the Bush with Urzila Carlson
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben sits down with Urzila Carlson — global comedy powerhouse, Taskmaster trauma survivor, and certified expert in both sarcasm and swearing.
Originally from South Africa, now based in New Zealand, Urzila has taken the comedy world by storm with her Netflix specials, unfiltered stand-up, and razor-sharp takes on everything from LGBTQIA+ to not ending up porn. She’s a scene stealer in her new movie Kinda Pregnant, but first — we need Ben to get the name right!
The episode o...
Ep. 28: Hamptons, Housewives, and Ben Faking Diarrhea
This week on It’s Ben A Week, It's all about Montauk, Manhattan, and the Cowboy Carter tour. What was supposed to be a chill summer getaway turned into a full-throttle saga featuring a Real Housewives, a bar showdown, a fake diarrhea excuse to Delta, and me almost getting decked by a guy a local fisherman.
In this episode, I cover:
A returned Christmas card from someone who ghosted me… and blocked me Getting kicked out of a dive bar by a bartender dressed like Pippi LongstockingAlmost getting punche...Ep. 27: SoulCycle Has Ben My Cult (ft. David Zint)
This week, Ben sits down with his SoulCycle instructor and longtime friend, David Zint — master instructor, motivational powerhouse, and unofficial therapist. After clocking over 750 hours of riding with David, Ben gets deep about how SoulCycle helped him through breakups, grief, and the chaos of acting life — and why it was never about burning calories.
But before we spin into the deep stuff, Ben shares his extremely unpatriotic feelings about the Fourth of July, why he’s ready to cancel kids at the gym, how fireworks nearly ruined a friendship (and his barn), and the la...
Ep. 26: Ben in the Dominican Republic
This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s just me — and the wildest work week I’ve ever had.
I booked a national commercial that had me on a flight to the Dominican Republic in 12 hours. Problem is… it was the same weekend as my friend’s funeral and the Beyoncé concert I’d been planning to go to for months.
Here’s what went down:
I booked a national commercial shooting in the Dominican Republic I had to cancel Beyoncé...Ep. 25: I've Ben Shooting with Top Headshot Photographer Steph Girard
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m kicking things off with a story that made me question everything: a friend ghosted me in the middle of planning an episode… after confirming, bullet pointing, and saying “love you.” I went full Nancy Drew, messaged her mom, and basically spiraled into a wellness check meltdown.
If you’ve ever been stood up, blocked, or left wondering “am I crazy or is this sociopathic?” — same.
But then — the episode redeems itself — because I’m joined by one of my all-time favorite humans and mentors: Stephanie Girard, LA...
Ep. 24: Ben Going Bravo and Boo Boo for Labubu
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m kicking things off with some real talk. We just lost a dear friend — Danny — to cancer, and my heart goes out to his husband Blaine and everyone in our crew who’s hurting. Life hit hard this week, but so did the laughs, the chaos, and the cocktails… because grief doesn’t come in a straight line.
We flew to LA for the week and let me tell you — travel was a disaster, AJ caught Labubu fever, I got bullied by a flight attenda...
Ep. 23: Ben Clownin’ Around (ft. Gilly Adams)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I talk about why children don’t belong at the gym, why iPad babies are ruining customer service, and how I ended up almost cheering when a dumbbell landed on a toddler (he’s fine… allegedly).
Then I head back to LA for my best friend’s insane baby shower, and I reflect on how Pride Month is being erased by the government — including renaming the Navy ship named after Harvey Milk and quietly stripping trans names from the Stonewall monument. Not okay.
Ep. 22: I've Ben Gay! 🌈 (Birthday & Pride Special)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, it’s my birthday… and I’m officially coming out — right here on the podcast. Surprise! I’m gay. 🌈 (Okay, not that shocking)
I’m turning 33, and this episode is a full reflection on self-love, Pride Month, and the journey of getting comfortable in your own skin. I talk about growing up closeted, internalized shame, high school bullies, my terrifying coming-out moment with my mom on the freeway, and how I finally got to a place where I can proudly say: I love who I am.<...
Ep. 21: Ben A Survivor — Brain Surgery, Grief, and Growth (ft. Gabrielle)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m saving dogs, dodging kids at the gym, raging about kettlebells, and reflecting on Katy Perry’s outer space comeback tour. Oh — and I shot a gun for the first time. No big deal.
Then I’m joined by a brand new friend — yoga instructor, tarot reader, and all-around badass Gabrielle, who shares her incredible story of surviving emergency brain surgery at 14, losing her mom shortly after, being kicked out of her house at 16, and still somehow becoming a business owner, healer, and deeply self-aware h...
Ep. 20: Aruba, Audis, And Ben Missing My Lug Nuts (ft. Cassandra Broadway)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, things go off the rails fast — literally. I try to rescue a squirrel stuck in my truck tire and end up driving the wheels off my dually. Then I recap my stressful (and slightly unhinged) car buying journey and why I chose the new Audi Q6 over a Tesla. Spoiler: I just can’t give Elon my money.
Then AJ’s best friend of 20 years — and my instant bestie — Cassandra joins me for the full episode. This episode covers:
The great squirrel rescue gone w...Ep. 19: Moms Have Ben Through It (Mother’s Day Special)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, we’re honoring Mother’s Day — but not in the Hallmark card way. This is an episode about real moms, real loss, real love, and the unthinkable strength it takes to show up when life knocks you flat.
First up: I talk with my incredible friend Victoria, who shares the story of losing her newborn daughter Eden — and how grief became the most powerful fuel for her growth. She opens up about the trauma, therapy, and the promise she made to Ed...
Ep. 18: Stagecoach & Patti LaBelle — It’s Ben Crazy (Ft. Elise Hansen)
In this episode of It’s Ben a Week, I’m joined by my longtime bestie Elise Hansen to break down the chaos of Stagecoach and Coachella—two festivals that are as different as acid and whiskey. But first, we recap one of the wildest nights of our lives: AJ manifested his dream (again) and ended up singing on stage with the one and only Patti LaBelle. And yes, there's video.
In this episode we discuss:
The chaos of airplane etiquette (why are adults bringing stuffed animals?)Coachella vs. Stagecoach: Which one is worth it?The bougie...Ep. 17: Hangxiety Has Ben Real (Ft. Holly Williams)
This week on It’s Ben A Week, I’m exposing one of my worst enemies: hangover anxiety—or as I like to call it, Ben-xiety. Why is it that after a fun night of drinking, I wake up convinced that everyone hates me and I'm about to get canceled by my friend group?
I break down why vodka is my toxic best friend, why I'm a world-class drunk texter, and why hangovers on vacation just hit different. Plus, I do a little "science" deep dive on why alcohol messes with your neurotransmitters (don’t fact che...
Ep. 16: We've Ben Buying a Ranch
This week on It's Ben A Week, I try to make sense of Easter... and somehow end up ranting about Braille drive-thru menus, espresso mispronunciations, and whether Jesus just Houdini’d himself out of that tomb. I also give you an inside look at my week—from dealing with Starbucks stick-figure family vans, to accidentally draining our ranch's entire propane tank for one 10-minute swim.
Then AJ joins me for the full interview segment and we finally tell the real story of how we ended up living on a Texas ranch. Spoiler alert: it involves a Scientologist, a $1...
Ep. 15: YouTube Star Turned Death Doula… She’s Ben On A Journey. (Eleven aka Lynette Cenee)
From beauty guru to jungle-dwelling death doula—this week’s guest has lived. Ben reconnects with his longtime friend Eleven (aka Lynette), a former YouTube star turned psychedelic guide, spiritual teacher, and self-described shapeshifter.
They dive into everything from ayahuasca trips, queer identity, and death work to what it really means to evolve, let go, and embrace change. And yes, there’s talk of puking in the jungle and shitting yourself in a white ceremonial robe. (You’ve been warned.)
Whether you're skeptical, curious, or just here for the ride—this episode is an honest, eye-openin...
Ep. 14: I've Ben Under Caroline Rhea's Spell
This week, Ben sits down with comedy royalty — the one and only Caroline Rhea. You probably know her best as Aunt Hilda from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but today she’s trading her spellbook for stories, jokes, and a whole lot of heart.
This episode is equal parts stand-up set, therapy session, and fun — and yes, Caroline can still get recognized just by laughing.
In this episode:
We record live from one of Caroline’s comedy showsCaroline officially becomes my comedy coach (God help her)AJ shares love for her — and honestl...Ep. 13: Ben Acting With Trisha LaFache
This week on It’s Ben a Week, I’m joined by the insanely talented Trisha LaFache—actress, writer, director, lawyer, coach, podcaster and all-around legend—who’s taking us behind the scenes of her career, from television to her unforgettable role in Jury Duty.
We get into the absolute madness of Hollywood, the weirdest audition stories, and what it really takes to survive in this business. Trisha is raw, hilarious, and completely unfiltered—just the way we like it.
What We Cover:
The chaos and comedy of Jury DutyThe brutal (and...Ep. 12: We've Ben Talking Sex, Spirits, and Small-Town Secrets... and Sweet Potatoes
In this episode of It’s Ben a Week, we’re diving into the most unhinged small-town stories ever—ghosts, UFOs, secret sex clubs, and, somehow, a sweet potato that no one saw coming.
Ben is joined by Sherry, a friend and small-town insider, as they break down:
Ben’s latest medical nightmare and why his elbow is still trying to kill himA haunted house so terrifying, the entire family had to fleeThe time PETA came for Ben’s life over a rattlesnakeGranbury’s underground...Ep. 11: This Has Ben KAOS
In this episode of It’s Ben a Week, I’m recapping my insane Caribbean yacht trip, from the luxury and debauchery to the near medical emergency that almost had me airlifted off the boat.
We cover:
The over-the-top yacht experience—how the crew packs your bags better than you doHow a tiny scratch turned into a full-blown arm infection that nearly ruined the tripThe moment I realized my elbow was the size of a grapefruit and made a terrible medical mistakeSt. Barts...Ep. 10: Ben Caught Cheating
In this episode of It’s Ben a Week, we are diving into the messy world of cheating, red flags, and relationship disasters. From personal experiences to jaw-dropping betrayals, this episode is packed with drama, scandal, and a few hard truths.
We cover:
The ultimate cheating scandal that left Ben’s friend blindsidedHow to spot red flags early and why ignoring them never ends wellSocial media and cheating—the DMs that expose everythingBen’s own history with cheating partners and why he always seems to...Ep. 9: Ben Unleashed
This week, I’m going solo—no guests, just me, my unfiltered thoughts, and a whole lot to say. We’re talking about the most reckless dog owners (yeah, the ones who throw their dogs in the back of trucks like cargo—what the actual hell?), the chaos of running a podcast, and my ongoing koi pond nightmare. Spoiler: it’s still leaking.
I also dive into imposter syndrome, podcast stats that blew my mind, and why this show is already in the top 10% of podcasts (what?!). Plus, a PSA to stop DMing me about how your grandpa’s...
