It's Ben a Week

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.

Episodes

June 10, 2025 42 mins

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 tr...

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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 ...

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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 ou...

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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 episod...

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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, thera...

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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 etiq...
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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 "scienc...

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April 22, 2025 48 mins

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 ...

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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 shitt...

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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 shows
  • ...
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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 unf...

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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 him
  • A haunted house so terrifying, the entire family had to flee
  • The time PETA came for Ben’s life over...
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March 18, 2025 26 mins

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 do
  • How a tiny scratch turned into a full-blown arm infection that nearly ruined the trip
  • The moment I realized my elbow was the size of a grapefruit and made a ...
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March 11, 2025 64 mins

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 blindsided
  • How to spot red flags early and why ignoring them never ends well
  • Social media and cheating—the DMs that expose everyt...
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March 4, 2025 34 mins

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 th...

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February 25, 2025 45 mins

In this episode of It’s Ben a Week, AJ and I take you on a chaotic, scandalous, and very White Lotus-esque trip to Cabo San Lucas. What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a week of sex, drugs, blood, and an unexpected airport shakedown.

We dive into:

  • Getting detained at customs and scammed out of $500 over podcast equipment
  • The steam room situation that had us questioning everyone’s vacation intentions
  • A near...
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February 18, 2025 46 mins

In this episode of It's Ben a Week, Morgan and I share a week full of unexpected scams and everyday chaos that will have you shaking your head in disbelief. We dive into:

• The absurdity of discovering that gas prices differ wildly from station to station—and the sheer lack of self-awareness behind it all.
• A chaotic dental visit turned scam, featuring outrageous bills, endless appointments, and a battle with insurance tha...

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February 11, 2025 41 mins

This week on It’s Ben a Week, I sit down with Carlo Amato, the viral, no-BS wedding planner that has social media obsessed—and even caught the attention of Rihanna. We talk about his rise to internet fame, the wedding trends that need to die immediately, and the groomzillas who are officially worse than bridezillas.

We also dive into:

  •  The epidemic of people lacking self-awareness
  •  My gas station showdown with a woman who refused ...
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This week on It’s Ben a Week, we’re diving into a raw, unfiltered conversation about religion, faith, and the Bible with my longtime friend, Lee Hanssen, a pastor and man of faith.

We get into:

  • My personal (and chaotic) experience at Catholic school—including why I was kindly asked to leave
  • The questions about faith and the Bible that have always confused me
  • The complicated relationship between religion and the LGBTQ+ community
  • Lee’...
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Margaret Josephs Spills the Tea on Sobriety, Success & Soirée! 

This week on It’s Ben a Week, I sit down with the fabulous Margaret Josephs to talk all things sobriety, success, and Soirée—her brand-new non-alcoholic beverage that’s redefining the party scene. 

We dive into:
• Her decision to embrace a dry lifestyle
• The inspiration behind Soirée and why she’s shaking up the industry
• The truth about success, reinve...

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