Ben Thinking

• Why Compassion Is the Key to a Healthier Society | Ben Thinking Podcast Ep. 143

  Welcome back to Ben Thinking with host Ben Neveras.In this thought-provoking episode, Ben sits down with Will Rucker, a Las Vegas community health professional pursuing his Doctorate in Public Health. Together, they explore the power of compassion, the realities of addiction, and how our relationships shape our overall well-being.From quitting nicotine to the science of social connection, Will shares actionable insights into how we can build healthier communities—one conversation at a time. The two also dive into practical public health solutions, like improving walkable cities, youth engagement, and creating inclusive spaces that help people thrive.🎧 In This Episode:What public health really means (and why it touches everything)The science behind compassion and resilienceWhy social connection is key to better healthYouth mental health and community engagementPublic transportation, city design, and health equityHow to actually make a difference where you live🕒 Timestamps 0:00 – 2:00 | Intro — Meet Will Rucker and the topic of compassion2:00 – 5:00 | What is compassion? Breaking down awareness, empathy, and action5:00 – 10:00 | How social connection impacts health and longevity10:00 – 15:00 | Why family meals and emotional states affect how your body digests food15:00 – 25:00 | Public health explained — from city design to tobacco cessation25:00 – 35:00 | Blue zones, community living, and the secret to longevity35:00 – 45:00 | Youth mental health, volunteering, and “Dads in Schools”45:00 – 50:00 | Casinos, addiction, and the economics of health50:00 – 55:00 | Sex work, policy, and paradoxes in public values55:00 – 1:01:05 | Music, books, and being human — finding balance and connection📢 Call to Action:If this conversation inspired you, take one small step toward compassion today:👥 Say hi to your neighbor.📚 Learn something new about your city.🗳️ Vote and get involved in local public health initiatives.Subscribe to Ben Thinking for more real, raw, and transformative conversations.🎧 Follow Ben Neveras on Instagram and TikTok @BenNeveras📩 For sponsorships or appearances, email [email protected]🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinkingPodcast #BenNeveras #WillRucker #PublicHealth #CommunityHealth #CompassionMatters #HealthEquity #MindBodyConnection #SocialWellness #LasVegasHealth #CommunityFirst #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastClips #WellnessPodcast

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• The Psychology Behind Fitness: Why Motivation Isn’t Enough | Ben Thinking Ep. 142

  In this episode of Ben Thinking, host Ben Neveras sits down with Adrian Wolf — author, personal trainer, PhD candidate, and former Navy serviceman — to dive deep into the psychology of fitness, healing, and discipline.Adrian opens up about his journey from hockey coach to exercise scientist, the lessons from his divorce, and how therapy and writing helped him rebuild his purpose. They unpack his two books, Skate Lift Recover and Awareness Before Action, exploring how awareness, community, and values shape lasting health — both physical and mental.💭 This episode isn’t just about reps and sets. It’s about resilience, reflection, and the power of asking yourself the right questions.00:00 – Intro: Meet Adrian Wolf02:00 – From hockey to strength coach: the early years05:00 – Writing Skate Lift Recover and Awareness Before Action09:00 – Why mindset and psychology matter more than any program12:00 – Emotional eating and awareness in daily decisions15:00 – Value-based decision making in fitness and life17:00 – Why Adrian pursued a PhD at UNLV20:00 – Divorce, adversity, and rediscovering self-worth24:00 – The power of therapy and asking hard questions29:00 – Finding the right therapist and timing your healing32:00 – On medication, stigma, and mental health33:30 – The role of community and human connection in fitness36:00 – Favorite exercises: squats, deadlifts, and Navy training stories39:00 – Coaching coaches: communication and growth43:00 – Why strength coaches are underpaid46:00 – Passion vs. practicality: balancing fulfillment and finances50:00 – The reality of PhD life and future goals54:00 – Lessons learned and staying open-minded56:00 – Where to find Adrian Wolf online58:00 – Outro#BenThinking #BenNeveras #AdrianWolf #FitnessMindset #ExerciseScience #HealthAndHealing #Resilience #TherapyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PhDLife #UNLV #StrengthCoach #PersonalDevelopment #SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #Discipline #GrowthMindset #AwarenessBeforeAction #SkateLiftRecover👉 If this episode made you think differently about your health, mindset, or purpose — hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who needs🕒 Timestamps (58:10 total)🏷️ Social Media Tags / Keywords📢 Call to Action

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• How the Las Vegas Venom Is Redefining Co-Ed Competition | Ben Thinking Podcast Ep. 141

  Welcome back to Ben Thinking, hosted by Ben Neveras!In this episode, Ben sits down with Paul Baer, the head coach and co-owner of the Las Vegas Venom, to explore the rise of the United Grid League — the world’s first professional co-ed fitness team sport.Paul breaks down what makes GRID so unique, how athletes of all levels can get involved, and the power of teamwork, inclusivity, and purpose in competition. From the mindset behind coaching elite athletes to building a business that values respect and unity, this episode dives deep into what it takes to win — both on and off the grid.🎧 Topics Include:- What is the United Grid League?- The difference between Grid, CrossFit, and traditional sports- The importance of inclusivity and teamwork- Building the Las Vegas Venom brand- How athletes and gyms can get involvedTimestamps:0:00 – 2:00 | Introduction – Meet Paul Baer & the Las Vegas Venom2:00 – 5:00 | What Is Grid League? The World’s First Co-Ed Team Fitness Sport5:00 – 10:00 | Strength, Bodyweight, and Utility – The Three Athlete Types10:00 – 13:00 | Why Anyone Can Play GRID (Even Kids!)13:00 – 16:00 | The Dangers of Overtraining and the Value of Specialization16:00 – 20:00 | Building a Team and Business That Works20:00 – 25:00 | Team Values: Respect, Inclusivity, and Teamwork25:00 – 40:00 | Meet the Athletes of the Las Vegas Venom – Profiles and Highlights40:00 – 50:00 | What It Takes to Be a Champion and the Future of GRID50:00 – 55:34 | How to Get Involved + Closing Thoughts📢 Call to ActionIf you love fitness, teamwork, and innovation — this episode is for you!👉 Subscribe to Ben Thinking for more inspiring conversations with athletes, coaches, and creators shaping the future of sport.💪 Follow the Las Vegas Venom on Instagram @lasvegasvenom🎥 Watch full GRID matches on YouTube — just search “Las Vegas Venom United Grid League.”📩 Want to be featured or sponsor an episode? Contact us at [email protected]🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinkingPodcast #UnitedGridLeague #LasVegasVenom #PaulBaer #GridLeague #FunctionalFitness #CoedSports #Teamwork #AthleteMindset #FitnessInnovation #LasVegasAthletes #SportsPodcast #BenNeveras #GritAndGrowth #StrengthAndStrategy

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• He Lost Everything — Then Found Himself | Ben Thinking Podcast Ep 140

  In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Ben Thinking, host Ben Neveras sits down with Ben P, a man whose journey through pain, transformation, and self-discovery will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.Together, they unpack what it means to face your own breaking points — from rebuilding after loss, to redefining success, to learning how to show up as your full, authentic self.Ben P opens up about the lessons he’s learned from failure, the process of forgiveness, and finding peace in vulnerability.This episode isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level motivation. It’s about the real, messy, human process of becoming whole again — one step at a time.🎧 A story of growth, gratitude, and what happens when you finally stop running from yourself.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction: Two Bens, one powerful story06:00 — Ben P’s early life and first major challenges12:30 — Hitting rock bottom: What forced him to change20:00 — The turning point — a moment of painful self-awareness27:00 — Lessons from loss and rebuilding identity35:00 — What true strength actually looks like42:00 — Forgiveness, healing, and letting go of guilt51:30 — The importance of vulnerability and real connection59:00 — Facing fear and finding purpose again1:07:00 — How pain can become your greatest teacher1:15:00 — Redefining success and happiness1:25:00 — Why self-acceptance is the ultimate freedom1:35:00 — The final message: how to move forward with grace1:44:00 — Closing thoughts & gratitude🔖 Social Media Tags#BenThinking #Podcast #BenNeveras #BenP #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Vulnerability #Healing #Forgiveness #Resilience #MentalHealth #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #OvercomingChallenges #LifeLessons #EmotionalGrowth #Mindset #Motivation #SelfImprovement #Inspiration📢 Call to Action💭 If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it today.👍 Like the video and subscribe to Ben Thinking for more raw, real conversations about growth, purpose, and becoming who you’re meant to be.🗣️ Drop a comment — what part of Ben P’s story resonated most with you?

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• Zion Young: Overseas Basketball, Mindset, and the Road to Recovery | Ben Thinking Podcast Ep. 139

  Ben Thinking Podcast | Zion Young: Overseas Basketball, Mindset, and the Road to RecoveryIn this episode, Ben sits down with Zion Young, a professional basketball player from Chicago who’s taken his talents from college hoops to the international stage. Zion opens up about his journey through injuries, recovery, overseas play, and how his mindset has shaped his path on and off the court.You’ll discover:What life is really like playing professional basketball overseas- How to stay mentally strong through injuries and setbacks- The cultural and training differences between the U.S. and international play- The mindset that separates average athletes from professionals- Why gratitude and self-belief matter more than talentTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Zion’s background02:00 – From Chicago to the pros: Zion’s basketball journey06:00 – Playing overseas: Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Ecuador10:00 – Cultural differences and adapting abroad14:00 – What basketball means overseas vs. in the U.S.18:00 – Training, discipline, and the mental side of the game22:00 – Life lessons from travel, risk, and competition27:00 – Building toughness and dealing with adversity33:00 – The importance of faith, focus, and consistency37:00 – Favorite players and what he’s learned from them42:00 – Building the “perfect player” from NBA influences48:00 – Life off the court: food, travel, and balance53:00 – Injuries, recovery, and learning patience59:00 – Mindset during rehab and the fight to return stronger1:05:00 – Lessons learned from the journey so far1:10:00 – Final reflections and gratitudeKey Takeaways:- Success overseas comes down to adaptability and mental toughness.- Every injury can become a lesson if you stay patient and focused.- Overseas competition teaches humility, discipline, and appreciation.- Mindset separates good players from great ones.- Gratitude and faith keep you grounded through highs and lows.If Zion’s story inspired you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone chasing their dream.Comment below: What lesson from Zion’s journey stood out to you most?Listen to The Ben Thinking Podcast every week on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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