Real Talk with Ben

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with my brother Jared. As many of you know, Jared and I both grew up with amazing parents and a community that loved us. You know my story and my journey through the ups and downs of life. But I thought it was time for you to hear Jared's story. I am grateful for my relationship with my brother, even though not always smooth he is a blessing. Also, you will get to hear stories and other things along the way!

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with Tytist and Celena. The brother sister duo make up the hip-hop group, Sis N Lil Bro. Now if you have been following the podcast for a while, you know that Tytist was on here not to long ago. This time I thought why not bring on his sister as well and we can discuss how God is using them for his Glory using music. You get to hear about everything from Celena's background all the way to what they are working on now. And if you pay attention, there might be some big news released in today's episode. Overall, it was an amazing conversation. Please go and support this duo! Find all their links below! If you are interested in doing Sis N Lil Bro's journey and getting the chance to win some cash, then please click on this link to sign up! The first 100 people get put into a drawing for a cash prize! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiHu135KOK-O-xEacz43QIPNl67GV1-T9r35i_TD8cSyYm-w/viewform Check out Sis N Lil Bro's new single "Be Honest" on Spotify and iTunes! Sis N Lil Bro's Social Media: Instagram: @wesisnlilbro Twitter: @wesisnlilbro YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCw4Y1XT0kIff0f3kmrs8tSw/UCw4Y1XT0kIff0f3kmrs8tSw

In today's episode, I sit down with a good friend and my co-host on The Baseline Podcast, Josh Burris. Now, I have know Josh for about 6ish years and so I thought I knew him pretty well. But I can tell you that I learned some great things from Josh during our conversation. One thing I learned was that God always has the right plan for us. God is so good! Here our full conversation about what God has been teaching Josh over his life.

In today's episode, I sit down with a good friend and fellow Cedarville Alum, Aaron Lynn. We discuss Aaron's journey and how he is where he is today. Aaron opens up about his battle with cancer, but with the focus on what God has done. He explains the lessons he has learned through his battle with cancer, but we also finish up by talking about his journey into hosting a sports podcast. Aaron's joy towards others and life is really amazing. God is truly using him for His Glory.

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with Tytist Dean. A Cedarville University Men's Basketball player and a Christian Hip-Hop artist. Tytist shares his testimony and how from the beginning God has directed his path. He talks about his journey in basketball and how he put in the hard work to succeed. He talks about how got the opportunity to play basketball at Liberty and then at Cedarville. We finish up by discussing his music career from talking about the beginnings to now having multiple albums and a hip-hop duo with his sister. His story truly inspires and shares the message of "I'M BLESSED".

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with my amazing and beautiful wife Rebeka. We talk about everything from marriage to Rebecca's first time in America. Rebeka talks about what it is like being married to me and the weird things that I do or interesting things. Let's just say there are quite a bit. Rebeka also talks about what it is like to be a Hungarian in America. It's a great conversation. I am truly blessed!

In today's episode, I sit down and talk with Dr. Jeremy Ervin. A former professor of mine, who is now starting a new STEAM Academy in Xenia, Ohio called the Community STE(A)M Academy. Their goal is to add something more to the already amazing STEM education. Dr. Ervin does a great job of not only explains what makes STEAM different from STEM, but he also does an amazing job of explain how he has seen God work through this new journey. An hour doesn't do this justice, but if you would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Ervin through the ways listed below. How to learn more about the School: Website: https://communitysteam.com Twitter: @CSAXenia Facebook: Community STEAM Academy

In today's episode, I talk about balancing wedding planning and starting the school year. It has been a crazy adjustment at times, but it has totally been worth it. God is truly working and I hope you hear that!

In today's episode, we celebrate 100 episodes of the podcast. But mainly, it's a time for me to share my heart and some key aspects of life that I have learned through this podcast journey. I don't just focus on the podcast, but my journey in media in general. My hope is that you don't just learn a lesson or two, but that you apply it to your life every single day. My goal has always been to encourage you and to push you to be better. I hope I do that every single day.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about not only my week at camp, but the many changes that are happening in my life. Let's just say that August is going to be very stressful and very busy. But in reality I know that God has a perfect plan and perfect timing. There is always a reason for everything and I talk about that today. It is not always easy, but God doesn't quit on us. I hope that you will get some encouragement from the stories I share and the things that are happening. God is good!

In today's episode, I talk about one big thing with a bunch of related ideas. That one main thing is: That God is Our Solid Rock. And along with that, how God will always bring peace to our lives no matter what as long as we follow Him. I think sometimes we get caught up in all of life. Rather, we should focus on God being the center and then everything following that. I can honestly say that I have been at my happiest when God is at the center of my life. He will do amazing things. I share some stories on what is going on and relate that to the main topic. Remember to keep God as your solid rock!

In today's episode, I discuss the new challenges that I will face and the new adventures I will have in this new chapter of life. There are so many things happening right now, that my life feels kind of crazy right now. But I know that God is in control and that He will always provide what I need. I hope that you received some encouragement from this episode and some enjoyment as well. Thank you for all of your support!

In today's episode, I talk about the upcoming change of moving to Hungary. As much as I love Hungary, it is still going to be hard to move back without missing my family. As many of you know, I love my family and they mean the world to me. My parents and brother have always been there for me through the thick and thin. Not even to mention how my grandparents were so supportive in all my endeavors. God has blessed me with an amazing family and even though I will be thousands of miles away. I know that they will be close by my heart. Don't waste your time with family. You never know when your time is, use it wisely!

In today's episode, I talk about the changes that will be happening in my life over the next few weeks and months. As many of you know, I am moving back to Hungary. I will be starting my job in August and Rebeka and I will be getting married at the end of August. I am very excited for these next steps in my life, but also nervous and anxious. This is okay because God is in control and we must trust in His will not our own. Hope you enjoy!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about sports, but specifically the coaching aspect. As I state in the episode, the past week has been tiring as a ref. I have learned many things from being a ref and one of the biggest things is that there are two halves to coaching. A good half and a bad half. I decided to touch on both sides and give a summary of what I have experienced. Even though this is about coaching, I believe that the principles that I talk about go with any occupation. We need lead by example and honor Christ. God should always get the Glory!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about my 25th birthday that is happening. As well as, looking back on year 24. I decided to talk about the lessons that I have learned over the past year and how they connect to how year 25 might look. I discuss how change is okay and a challenging circumstance isn't the worst thing. In fact, I talk about how these can be some of the biggest lessons that you will have in your life. In reality, the focus always needs to be on God. He will provide a way.

In today's episode, we talk THEATER! If you can remember from last episode, Jared talked about his love for theater. So today, we talk about how he fell in love with it and what his plans are for the future. I have realized that Jared has some amazing talent and it is so cool to see him using it for God's glory! Never forget to support your family, no matter what! We also find out who would play Jared in a musical about Jared!

In today's episode, I deliver on my promise to have new people join the podcast. This episode and next episode we have a Bros Know reunion featuring my brother Jared. It has been a while since you all have heard from him, so I thought, why not catch up and see what he is up too. This week consists of Jared and I talking about the challenges he faced dealing with COVID and how it really changed his perspective on things. We also dive into the question of the day! Tune in next week, where we talk about his love for acting and what he wants to do with it!

In today's episode, I decided to honor my mother and really all the mother's out there for everything they do for us. Now, I know I am a week late, but let's be real, everyday should be Mother's Day! My mom has always been there for me, even if that meant sacrificing her own time to do it. I was able to find the top three traits of my mom that has impacted me in multiple ways. My mom has had a huge impact on my life and those around her. She has servants heart and I know will continue to have that kind of heart as long as she lives. Let us celebrate our mother's every single day!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that is really vital to us growing in our walk in Christ and as a person. I have been spending time with a few friends recently and it has given me time to think about the friends I have and the impact they have. Now yes, we can live without friends and we can try and make it without friends, but in all reality, I believe that having good friends is important. It is important to our growth as a person. I hope that this episode allows you to see the different ways that friends can be a benefit for growth. Hope you enjoy!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about the frustration or confusion I had with myself for not being a teacher right after graduation. You work for four hard years and push yourself, so you can get a job in that degree. Now yes, becoming a missionary was where God led me, but it still was hard for me to handle. But I soon realized that the things I learned in my education degree can help me in other jobs and in life. So you see, if you end up not at the job you thought you would be at, that is okay. But make sure that you are following where God is leading and using what you learned in your degree to help others. God WILL use you!

In today's episode, I continue my discussion on teaching. This week I focus on the joys of teaching! Not just in the classroom, but the joys of every aspect of being a teacher. It is really hard to fit everything into one episode, but I hope that it allows you to see the joy that teachers have, but also the struggle. I also hope that these past two weeks allow you to see that the teachers need the encouragement too. We all have had that teacher that has impacted our life. Take some time and say thank you! THEY DESERVE IT!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about my journey into teaching. Over the next two weeks, I will be discussing both my journey into teaching, but also the joys of teaching. I serve an amazing God and my journey was just one of those "wow" moments from God. From a kid who never wanted to be a teacher to someone who loves to interact and teach kids everyday. My God is an amazing God and I hope that from this you can see God in every part of my journey. I hope you enjoy hearing my journey!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about my struggles with creating videos and how being away from "home" has been hard for me. Now yes, I am home with my family, but as I have stated before, home for me is where I am at peace. Now, while I love being with family and being able to work. It has been really hard when my heart desires to be home in Hungary. I hope this episode helps you see my heart and how I focus on where God has me now. And that is my question for you, are you focusing on where God has you or are you trying to go somewhere else? Let's focus on where God has us!

In today's episode, I discuss the importance of living for Christ especially in the work world. I know it can be hard in today's world, but then again, God never said it was suppose to be easy. Living this life will be hard at times, but we are still called to live for Christ. In this, I discuss the process that I have gone through in order to find the job that God wants me in both in the present and in the past. It is easy to take the job with the most money, but it truly matters to take the job that God knows we need. Are you a light for Christ in your work place?

In today's episode, I decided to give my final thoughts about my year in Hungary and then discuss the differences between Hungary/Europe and the United States. I also give my thoughts on where is home for me. I hope that this episode will give you all some insight in how we can be the change and how we can live for Christ every single day. It's always hard to see the struggles, but when we do we learn how to change for the Lord. God is good!

In today's episode, I finish up my three part series called The Journey Series. Over the previous two episodes, I went into detail on the things that I have learned over this past year. Now, for the final part of this series, I have decided to talk about applying and growing from the things I have learned over the past year. I think it is so important to grow and learn and I hope you all can take some encouragement from me. To finish up before I head back to the US, I decided to share some memories that will last with me for forever.

In today's episode, I continue my Journey Series, where I discuss three different topics of my journey here in Hungary! This week I discuss lessons learned over the past year. These lessons range from experiencing change to ministry to how I grew in the past year. All of these have had an impact on my life. I want to discuss with you all on how these things are not bad, but rather a way to grow in our walk with Christ. This journey called "life" is short, but our "life" in Christ last for forever. I hope we can live our life with the purpose of proclaiming God's goodness.

In today's episode, I start a three part series on my journey here in Hungary. They will cover my expectations, lessons learned, and application for the future. I decided that since I have three episodes left before I leave to head home, that I would use this time to share my journey with you all. Now, throughout this past year you have heard a few things here and there, but more than that I want to share some things that have changed me. In this first part, I decided to talk about my expectations versus what happened. Not just focusing on what changed, but how I now view expectations. I hope that this series can help you in your walk with Christ and allow you to apply lessons to your life.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something close to my heart. That is the topic of loneliness. We have all faced the feeling of being alone and it is really hard sometimes to understand how to deal with it. So, I thought that today I would tackle this topic and discuss my experiences with loneliness and how I dealt with it. I will be honest and say that i don't have all the answers, but I hope that these experiences will encourage you that God is always with you and you're never alone.

In today's episode, I discuss the age old question, "Why is Ben going back to teaching?" and that is a valid question. The answer is definitely a complex one and I had to cover it in three ways. I hope that by discussing these ways it allows you to see the thought process behind it and hopefully encourage you to pursue the doors God opens for you. The hardest thing was being okay with change and going back to something that I love. There are going to be changes in our lives, but it is how we adapt to them. Let God guide you in your current and future steps. God is good and He is going to be there for you.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about some MAJOR things that have happened in my life in the past week. I got engaged, plus right before recording I got a job offer from a school here. I decided to scrap my notes and just speak from the heart. I serve a God who opens doors that He wants to open and closes doors that He wants to close. Our God is amazing and He will bless those who follow and serve Him. I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life! Even though it will be hard to close this current chapter, it will be amazing to start a new one! May God receive the Glory!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about the age old question: College or No College? This is a question I see being talked about a lot these days and a question that I have thought about many times before. I wanted to first discuss my experience and opinion with honesty. I wanted to be transparent, so that way you can see where I am coming from. Going to college for 4 years was one of the best decisions I ever made and yes, it did come with debt and other things, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I learned so much and I grew so much! That doesn't mean that college is for you and I hope that you have a better incite on what is best for you!

In today's episode, I decided to first celebrate 75 episodes of the podcasts. I love sharing my life with every single one of you. It has been a blessing to share my life with you all for 75 episodes and I can't wait to share it with you for 75 more episodes. I hope that you all have gained a little incite into my ministry and my life. On the other part of the episode, I decided to talk about the ups and downs of these past few weeks and days. And how discouraged I have become for the way many of us have acted and treated other people. No matter what we believe, we need to focus on keeping Christ at the center of our lives.

In today's episode, we continue are discussion on hitting the restart button and looking at my goals for 2021. Now for some, they talk about resolutions, but for me I have always thought goals were better for me. They allow me to see something that I can try and achieve. As for many of us, 2020 was a hard year, but there is no guarantee that 2021 will be easier. But with all of that said, I still think it is important for us to hit the restart button and true look at what we can do to have a better 2021. I decided to talk about my 3 main goals and how I have made each attainable and achievable. Now, yes, for some these might seem weird or too broad, but that is what makes goals amazing. They can change based on the person. I believe this is going to be a great year. Let us get it off on the right foot!

In today's episode, I start a two week discussion on this past year and what to look forward to in 2021. This week I specifically discuss lessons learned in 2020 and how I saw 2020 as a year of growth. I realize that 2020 has been a hard year for everyone, but I wanted to hopefully put a positive spin on it and maybe even encourage some people to look and see what God has been doing. I do believe God has been working and will continue to work. His plan is bigger than ours and we have to remember that. Let us truly remember the Greatness of our God.

In today's episode, I decided to take a look back at the year 2020. I decided to talk about the changes in my life and the lessons learned. But honestly, I wanted to give everyone a little bit of hope and encouragement as we go into 2021. Yes, 2020 has been hard and at times frustrating, but God surely does have a plan and we cannot forget that as we move into a new year. No matter what happens next, God will remain supreme. Let us look forward to an even better 2021.

In today's episode, I decided to look back on the past year. Not because it is nearing the end of this year, but because it has been one year since I "officially" graduated college. It is crazy that it has been a year and over the past few days, I have been thinking over the past few days about all of the lessons and things I have learned over the past year. I decided to answer three questions in this episode to not only encourage you, but allow you to understand some lessons I have learned. All I can say is that God is good!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that has been on my heart recently. I have realized lately that throughout these past 9 months, that I have had the tendency to focus on the things out of my control. I have realized over these months, that my focus needs to be on the main thing. I have decided that the things I can't control need to be placed on the side. So as we head into this holiday season, let's focus on the main thing. The birth of Jesus Christ and give up worrying about the things you can't control. Let's put our hope in God!

In today's episode, I decided to start being thankful a week earlier. Especially since I will not have an episode out next week. I have realized that I have so much to be thankful for and that I need to thankful for the blessings I have received. Even in this unknown time, I serve a God who is always in control. I have realized that letting God have control is the best thing we can do. I believe as Christians we forget this quite a bit. We need to focus on allowing God to have control and step back and watch. My life this past year has been full of blessings and I want you to sit back and really look at your life. What has God blessed you with? They are there, we just need to look!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that I think we are all dealing with right now. And that is discouragement! This world is crazy right now and it is really easy to be discouraged and frustrated, so I decided to share some encouragement and strategies with you all to counter discouragement. This is something that I deal with a lot and it can be very depressing, but I have realized that coming up with ways to counter it is crucial. We serve an amazing God and His word should be our go to for encouragement, but I also share some other ways as well! Remember that God is faithful and we can trust Him!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about some things that have been going through my mind over the last few days. This week has been one of the craziest weeks that I have ever witnessed. To many, it might seem like there is no one in control, but in reality there is! Our God is in control. He knows who will win this election and what will happen. So even though some of us might be frustrated, be reminded that God is in control. With that being said, America, we need to rise up and come together. Let us not fight one another, but respect one another. Let us be the country that was founded by our founding fathers. Let's make America something that we want to raise our children in. God is still in charge!

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that has been on my heart lately. As we go through this weird and busy part of life, it is easy to get distracted and lose focus on what matters. And that obviously being Christ. So I decided to talk about of few things that have gotten me distracted and honestly put my focus away from Christ. Now, even though these are my opinions, I feel like it is something that we all struggle with from time to time. Let us not just focus on what pleases ourselves or the election or what other people think. Rather, we should own our faith and be an example to others of what the Gospel means. Are you owning it?

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that I get asked about all the time. That "something" is the answer to this question: "Why do you keep making videos and podcast episodes if you don't get many viewers?" The answer to this question is not that simple, but it can be answered with the term "the 16th view". The 16th view on my first video I made in May 2019 was when I realized that there is more to making videos than to just become famous. This helped me realize this in other aspects of my life. I learned that we can't waste our life because of selfish desires, but instead use our talents to glorify God. That means in my hobbies or my work or even my relationships with others. Do not live for only the 15 "views", instead live for the "views" that follow or the eyes of others that watch you. Remember to live your life for Christ!

In today's episode, I talk about something very near and dear to my heart. I decided to talk about how I have dealt with losing my grandfather 3 years ago. As you all know, losing someone close is hard, but especially when it is someone who you looked up to or consider them like a second father. That was my grandfather. He was an amazing man, with an even more amazing heart. I miss him so much and many times it can be hard to get through the days, but I hope this video helps you all understand and maybe even be encouraged from what I have learned. I will tell you this, after a while you might not hurt as much or cry as much, but what you will do and remember is the memories. But please, do not be like me and waste time with your loved ones, spend as much time as you can because we never know when God will call us home.

In today's episode, I talk about some new things that I have been learning over the past week and how they relate to a bigger lesson. Having a new job can be stressful, but especially when it impacts so many people. Being a tech guy is awesome, but becomes stressful when things go wrong. But it helps knowing that we are helping these student's grow in the Lord. I feel like blessings keep coming and coming. Being able to have a car now is a huge blessing. Not just for Rebeka and I, but also from a ministry aspect. I will be able to do more for the students and staff. God is truly blessing me and all I can do now is honor Him more through what I do here at Word of Life.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about media ministry and the impact it has had on me. These ideas include how I started, what I have learned and what's next! This journey of media has not been easy, but it has truly been enjoyable and rewarding. I have met some amazing people during these last three years, both through videos and through the people surrounding those videos. God has blessed me with the love for media and I see the need for media in ministry. I want this podcast and all that I do to have the foundation of God and nothing else. For the last three years, I have been building to the goal of having a media ministry. This is still the goal. Thank you to all who have come on this journey with me so far, and thank you to everyone who will come with me for years to come.

In today's episode, I decided to talk about the last 6 months and how God has changed me. I have just hit the halfway point in my time here in Hungary! It is crazy to me sometimes to think that I have been here for over 6 months. I can say that God has truly been changing me throughout those 6 months. I have learned so many lessons and things that I didn't even realize about myself. I have been blessed with meeting some amazing people and meeting an amazing girl. God has truly blessed me, but He also has made me realize things about myself that I never knew before. My God is so good and He is always guiding us down the right path. Are you going down that right path? Have given up control and given it to God?

In today's episode, I decided to talk about something that has hit me very hard. The time I spend with God (or the lack of time I tend to spend with God). I pose the question of do we have time in our schedule for God...or how I should phrase it...are we seeking to find time for God? This question has hit me hard lately. I realized that many times I try to fit God in my schedule, where in reality I need to put God first and my schedule last. But, I feel as if nowadays we think there is too much going on or we are worried about so many things. When will we just sit back and remember that we serve a God who knows all things. Let us give our WHOLE life to Him and our plans, so that we may further His kingdom!

In today's episode, I am joined by my good friend Misi. I have known Misi for 7 years, but I feel I have known him my whole life. We have been talking for months for him to be on the podcast. And so finally, after camp and everything we found time to record it. If you know Misi, you know he loves to have fun and you can tell from the beginning of this episode that we are going to have fun. But also, we have a really great conversation of living out the Gospel and what his ministry looks like. God has blessed Misi in so many ways and you can see this throughout this episode. I hope that through this episode, you can see the joy that we both live with and maybe want to live with more joy! I hope that not only did you have a few laughs, but you also got some encouragement out of this video as well. Remember, God is faithful, we can trust Him! Misi's Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misi.agoston Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misiagoston/

In today's episode, I wanted to reflect on my holiday (or vacation) and share with you something that really hit me deep down. Homelessness, if you are like me and grew up in a small town. This is not something you discovered in your hometown very rarely. In my case, I never even remember seeing a homeless person in my town ever. It wasn't until I was 16, where I realized that homelessness is real and it is a problem. That is when I was on a missions trip in Denver, Colorado. This is where I had utter shock and God really opened up my eyes to things. To be honest, those thoughts and feelings all left me, until this past week while I was on holiday in Budapest. I saw numerous homeless people day after day. It broke my heart and I realized that in my own life I struggled with homelessness. Maybe not in the outer way, but emotionally and spiritually. I was didn't where to find hope, until I remember to come home to God. I hope this episode encourages you to reach out to those who need it and to help the homeless in your area. Everyone needs to hear the Gospel. We serve an amazing God, let's share about Him!