The Authentic Journey
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A podcast with Ben Beeri about…

Living without
the mask.

You already know who you are underneath. Long, unhurried conversations about the slow, honest work of becoming that person.

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Latest · How Magic Johnson Rebuilt His Identity After…/7 MIN/October 22, 2026
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Every step of the journey

All 49 episodes — long conversations with thinkers, makers, and ordinary people. No quick answers, only honest ones.

EP 049

How Magic Johnson Rebuilt His Identity After HIV Ended Basketball

On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson retired from the NBA after announcing his HIV diagnosis, walking away from the Showtime Lakers with five championships and three MVP awards already behind him. In this solo episode, Ben Beeri traces what came after: the 1992 All-Star Game return in Orlando where he scored 25 points and won MVP, the 1995 movie theater partnership with Sony, the 1998 Starbucks deal bringing stores into underserved neighborhoods, and his later role in the ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers. The episode frames how Irvin Johnson built a business empire, a foundation for HIV awareness, and eventually billionaire status by planting seeds during his playing career and leaning on charisma, relationships, and an ability to bridge socioeconomic gaps. The through-line is identity reinvention after loss — a case study relevant to anyone thinking about athlete second acts, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention when a defining skill is taken away.

October 22, 20267 MIN
EP 048

Retiring at 50 Was a Mistake: Jeff Roedersheimer on Purpose

Retiring at 50 looked like the finish line, but within a year it exposed how much purpose had been bundled inside the stress. Jeff Roedersheimer, a former Andersen Consulting partner who spent nearly thirty years in enterprise technology, tells host Ben Beeri why he came out of retirement part-time to advise senior executives on AI transformation through his firm Third Wave Architecture. He traces the realization back to a 1999 project integrating the Chicago Board of Trade with Frankfurt's Deutsche Börse Eurex exchange — eighty-hour weeks and difficult bosses that produced his fondest memories and strongest relationships, compared to an easy forty-hour Chicago telecom summer he barely remembers. The conversation moves through fatherhood, faith, and his work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Orange County, where 3,000 foster kids share only 600 advocates. He weighs in on generative and agentic AI, software engineering careers, social media's trade-offs, and why true abundance requires removing greed and rethinking energy. "You've arrived to realize that it's the process," he says — a reframe on the retirement destination myth, the journey-over-outcome mindset, and what mentorship owes the next generation.

October 18, 20261HR 26MIN
EP 047

What If Your Younger Self Is Your Hero

Most people frame growing up as becoming someone their younger self would admire, but Ben Beeri flips that premise in this solo monologue and asks what it would mean to treat the kid version of himself as the hero instead. He traces a through-line from watching Avatar: The Last Airbender and playing Assassin's Creed to collecting autographs at Warriors games, selling candy at school and getting detention for it, and eventually reselling tickets and building customer relationships that led to entrepreneurship. The common thread, he argues, is a willingness to explore the unknown — the same instinct adults tend to wall off in the name of control and certainty. Across themes of personal growth, mindset, and the entrepreneurial journey, the episode makes the case that best friends, favorite hobbies, and meaningful work all started as unfamiliar territory. "The greatest things we have in our life started as unknowns," he notes, encouraging listeners to take the random hike, try the new food, and talk to the stranger instead of the phone. The closing idea: your younger self had vision without evidence, and borrowing that imagination back is how you find out what your greatest days actually look like.

October 15, 202610 MIN
EP 046

Haters Need Love: Why Elon's Trillionaire Critics Reveal Themselves

The louder the criticism of someone's success, the more meaningful that success tends to be. In this solo monologue, Ben Beeri argues that haters, bullies, and online trolls are projecting their own stalled potential — and the people complaining about Elon Musk becoming a trillionaire are the same ones who complained when he was a billionaire and a millionaire. Drawing on his own ten-year run building a business through waves of criticism, the host reframes disapproval as a signal you're doing something that matters, and offers a simple response: send those people love and take the next step anyway. Expect candid thoughts on self-permission, entrepreneurship, dealing with critics, and the mindset shift that separates builders from spectators. "There's only one person's permission that you need. That's yours."

October 13, 20269 MIN
EP 045

Why "Almost" Is a Lie

The word "almost" is a filler we use to soften the blow of losing, and in this solo monologue Ben Beeri argues it should be stripped from your vocabulary entirely. Measuring progress is useful — running 90% of the race, losing a game by one point — but calling those outcomes "almost" rewrites a loss as something else and keeps you from facing reality. To illustrate, the host walks through the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors: a record-setting 73-9 regular season, a 3-1 comeback over Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, and then a 3-1 collapse against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals on 04/13/2016's heels. The history books record Cleveland as the 2016 champion, full stop. Expect themes around mindset, sports psychology, performance culture, and the participation-trophy debate, with a simple takeaway: cross the finish line, or admit you didn't.

October 8, 202612 MIN
EP 044

Why Jalen Brunson Left $120 Million On The Table

When Jalen Brunson signed a $150 million extension with the New York Knicks instead of the $270 million he was eligible for, the nearly $120 million pay cut wasn't about the money — it was about vision. In this solo episode, Ben Beeri unpacks how that decision made room for Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Jose Alvarado, and ultimately helped deliver New York's first NBA championship in fifty-three years with Brunson taking Finals MVP after a 45-point Game 5. From there, the conversation widens into vision as a career and life operating principle, drawing parallels to Elon Musk crossing a trillion-dollar net worth during the SpaceX IPO (which minted roughly 4,000 employee millionaires, including a welder who started at $28 an hour), Tom Brady's seven Super Bowls built on repeated pay cuts, Steve Jobs and the iPhone, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, and Kanye West's 118,000-seat Turkey stadium show. The through-line: visionary leadership, long-term thinking over short-term money, and the people who get pulled into a vision big enough to carry them. Topics covered include NBA free agency, entrepreneurship, and personal goal-setting.

October 6, 202615 MIN
EP 043

THEY CAN'T SEE IT, THAT'S NOT YOUR PROBLEM

Belief, mentorship, and the courage to keep building when nobody around you can see the vision anchor this solo monologue from Ben Beeri, who reframes rejection with the line, "If the vice principal could be Elon Musk, then he would have been Elon Musk." The reflection starts with a memory of being a 12-year-old entrepreneur who didn't fit in, and extends into a practical argument for buying 20 cups of lemonade from the kid on the corner just so he knows he has a customer. Beeri argues that when a teacher or counselor says they can't see your idea working, they're telling the truth about their own vision, not yours, and that self-belief is "the fuel you need to launch your rocket." He makes the case for mentors you'll never meet, citing Marcus Aurelius's Meditations and Kobe Bryant's work ethic as examples of one-way mentorship through books, podcasts, and observation. The episode closes on peer selection, core values like authenticity, and the idea that most support in life, including marriage, is temporary — the only person you keep for the full run is yourself. Relevant themes include entrepreneurship mindset, personal development, and mentorship.

October 1, 20267 MIN
EP 042

Novak Djokovic Chose His Body Over the Grand Slam Record

In January 2022, Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 20 Grand Slam titles, then was deported for refusing the COVID vaccine, forfeiting his shot at a tenth Australian Open. Host Ben Beeri traces how the Serbian tennis star also missed the 2022 US Open due to US entry restrictions on unvaccinated travelers, watched Nadal pull two Slams ahead, and still returned to Melbourne in 2023 to win the Australian Open in a hostile crowd, followed by the French Open and US Open to reach 24 majors by year's end. Beeri frames the decision as consistent with the meticulous dietary, conditioning, and recovery philosophy the player built around his 2011 rise to world number one, not as a political stance. The episode connects the story to broader conversations around Anthony Fauci, pandemic-era mandates, mental resilience in individual sports, and what it looks like to control your training, morals, and values when the rules around you don't feel fair.

September 29, 202611 MIN
EP 041

One Yes Can Change Everything

Saying yes to a dream, even a delusional-sounding one, is the doorway to everything else. In this solo monologue, Ben Beeri traces how a 12-year-old refereeing soccer games for $40 to $50 a day turned into putting a down payment on Golden State Warriors season tickets at 17, at $27 a game, right before the Steph Curry era took off. Those 2013 season seats weren't really about basketball — they were about connection, and that connection eventually became the foundation of his autograph and sports memorabilia business, started at 20 when almost no one believed he could pull it off. The host frames life as a series of doors and rooms: some open, some don't, and the destination you imagined is usually just another doorway. Expect candid takes on entrepreneurship, delusional self-belief, fitness goals like swimming a million yards, and why "one day" needs to become day one. A useful listen for anyone sitting on a business idea, a move, or a dream they keep postponing.

September 24, 202610 MIN
EP 040

Why Mark McGwire Walked Away From 50 Home Runs

In 1987, Mark McGwire walked away from a shot at 50 home runs to be present for the birth of his first son, ending his rookie season at 49 — a record that stood for thirty years until Aaron Judge broke it in 2017. Host Ben Beeri unpacks that decision as a case study in how external metrics can crowd out once-in-a-lifetime moments, from career milestones to money to family presence. He traces McGwire's arc forward to the 1998 home run chase with Sammy Sosa, when McGwire became the first player ever to hit 70 home runs, arguing the slugger's earlier choice didn't cost him anything lasting. The through-line: records get broken, bank accounts keep growing, but some moments only happen once. A solo monologue on baseball history, priorities, and knowing when you've done enough.

September 22, 20267 MIN
EP 039

How Taylor Swift's Autographed CDs Made Folklore 2020's Bestseller

In 2020, Folklore became America's best-selling album with 1,276,000 copies sold — nearly double BTS's Map of the Soul: 7 at 670,000 — despite launching on July 24 with less than 24 hours of notice and being freely streamable on Spotify and Apple Music. Host Ben Beeri breaks down how Taylor Swift turned a CD into a collectible by personally autographing large quantities, shipping them to independent record stores, and offering multiple physical editions with unique artwork, star confetti, and handwritten note cards. The episode connects this move to broader shifts in the music industry, memorabilia collecting, and direct-to-consumer strategy, including the fallout from Scooter Braun acquiring her masters, the eventual "Taylor's Version" re-recordings, and the economic ripple effects of the Eras Tour on local businesses. As the host puts it, she "turned an album from something you consume into something you can own" — a play that supported struggling small record stores during COVID while setting up her next decade of releases.

September 17, 20269 MIN
EP 038

Why Jordan and Brady Stopped Being Underdogs — and You Should Too

The underdog identity that fuels a breakthrough is the same identity that caps future growth, and Ben Beeri unpacks why letting it go is the real unlock. Using Michael Jordan getting cut to junior varsity as a high school sophomore and Tom Brady being drafted 199th in the 2000 NFL Draft, the host traces a three-stage identity arc: underdog, belonging, and person to beat. He points to Jordan's run at the University of North Carolina and six Chicago Bulls championships, and Brady's step-in for Drew Bledsoe, seven Super Bowls, and Tampa Bay title in his first season there, as proof that each stage required a new self-concept. This solo episode sits at the intersection of sports psychology, identity work, and peak performance, with practical prompts for listeners to audit where they're still playing from behind despite already having won. The closing challenge: name the underdog story you need to put down, and define what it would mean to become the person to beat.

September 15, 202612 MIN
EP 037

Building While Broken: Hans Karl Bruesehoff on Facing Heart Surgery

Born with sick sinus syndrome bradycardia and implanted with a pacemaker at age 12, Hans Karl Bruesehoff has lived connected to a machine since 1999 — and now faces a cardiology surgery in three months with a lead that has "three months left of life on it." In this conversation with host Ben Beeri, he traces twenty-three years of chronic back pain that began with a broken spine in a 2003 boxing match, overcoming an opioid addiction, a six-week fasting and mushroom retreat in the Sierra Nevadas, and the collapse of his Waikiki frozen yogurt shop Hula Swirl — the moment he laid down in the spilled yogurt and started laughing. He unpacks how he founded the Purpose Circle men's group in Laguna Beach in 2022 with Ori Israel, why he's writing a book titled Build While Broken before surgery, and his vision for a nonprofit supporting men through no-interest loans and medical grants. The episode explores masculinity, men's mental health, chronic pain recovery, entrepreneurship, and the practice of surrender — with Bruesehoff landing on a working philosophy: "be humble or be humbled," and let five-year-old you lead the way.

August 14, 20261HR 48MIN
EP 036

The Greatest Things in Life Don't Have to Be Earned

The greatest things in life don't have to be earned — they have to be allowed. In this solo monologue, Ben Beeri unpacks the difference between earning and allowing, and why high achievers often reject the very words (successful, worthy, respected) they've already worked hard enough to claim. He recounts building a seven-figure business by age 25 and refusing to let anyone call it successful, deflecting compliments, and setting moving goalposts like hitting a million swim yards or an eight-figure business before he'd let himself feel worthy. Drawing on a walk by the beach at sunset, he argues that self-acceptance, love, respect, and financial security hit diminishing returns when treated as things to earn — at some point you have to allow them to land. The episode sits in the self-worth, mindset, and personal development space, with adjacent themes of imposter syndrome, receiving compliments, and the psychology of high performers.

August 5, 202613 MIN
EP 035

Stop Staying in Misalignment: Find Your Bullseye and Go

Misalignment is the tax you pay for living someone else's life, and this solo monologue from Ben Beeri makes the case for cutting it loose fast. The episode dissects why people stay in jobs they hate, relationships going nowhere, and status purchases meant to impress people who don't care — framing each as a blind-fired arrow with no bullseye. "You're either on the path to get it or it's in your way," he says, arguing that clarity of desire is the missing input behind most stalled lives. Expect a direct take on personal accountability, self-alignment, and intentional living, with adjacent themes drawn from self-development, decision-making, and goal-setting frameworks. The host closes with a single prompt: name your bullseye, then take the most direct steps to reach it.

July 29, 20267 MIN
EP 034

Which Version of You Shows Up Matters Most

The problem isn't that you aren't the person you want to be — it's that the wrong version of you shows up in the wrong situation. In this solo episode, Ben Beeri breaks down the different selves he notices in himself: business Ben, patient Ben, impatient Ben, teenage Ben, and kid Ben, and how each one serves or sabotages specific interactions. He explains why "business Ben" ruins a beach hang with friends, why "teenage Ben" carries useful grit for a hard swim or long workday, and why "kid Ben" produces some of the most meaningful adult interactions when both people drop the stakes. The episode ties this framework to personal identity, self-awareness, standards, and compatibility in relationships — arguing that mismatches create misalignments, and misalignments create incompatibility. The host reframes impatience as "sticking to his standards" and closes with a prompt: identify what version of you led your most recent interaction, in friendship, business, or a hobby, and whether that was the right one for the moment.

July 22, 202613 MIN
EP 033

Bringing Your Seven-Year-Old Self Along for the Ride

Reconnecting with your seven-year-old self is the throughline of this solo monologue from Ben Beeri, who reflects on what changes when you let that younger version ride along into adulthood. The episode moves through childhood fascinations — airplanes, Ford trucks, autographs from athletes and celebrities — and lands on water as the trigger that brings little Ben back: "exhale, bliss, play." He contrasts that purity with years spent earning love, proving worth, and overcomplicating friendship, including a teenage stretch with "zero" friends that he now credits for his patience and empathy. Marking the ten-year anniversary of his dream business, the host frames adult accomplishment as a gift back to the kid who once only wanted to play, express, and be — jet ski keys, courtside tickets, a booked flight. The closing prompt asks listeners what they'd give their seven-year-old self, opening a conversation on inner-child work, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

July 15, 202615 MIN
EP 032

Set Your Own Table: Stop Waiting for Permission to Share

Waiting for someone else to hand you an opportunity is a losing strategy, and in this solo monologue Ben Beeri argues that most people are stalling their lives by expecting a table to already be set for them. The episode unpacks the "authentic journey" framework — the idea that sharing your own experiences, wins, and struggles gives other people permission to take their next step. He talks openly about his own discomfort with being on camera, the shift that happened when "the pain of not expressing was louder than the pain of possibly being seen," and why one view on a video can matter as much as a million. Expect practical thinking on personal storytelling, content creation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, self-expression, and the mindset shifts tied to personal growth and taking initiative. The core call to action: set your own table, then put out an extra plate for someone who hasn't shown up yet.

July 8, 202611 MIN
EP 031

The People Already in Your Corner Are One Call Away

Relationship equity doesn't expire when you stop talking — it just sits there waiting for someone to be proactive. In this solo episode, Ben Beeri argues that most of us undervalue the friends, mentors, and former colleagues we've already built history with, while chasing connection with people we haven't met yet. He unpacks why inaction — not sending the text, not making the call, not telling a stranger you like their shirt — creates an "illusion in your head that doesn't actually exist," and why waiting for the other person to reach out first is a dangerous trap. The host frames reconnection as a compounding asset, touching on friendship maintenance, social capital, and the psychology of expression. He closes with a direct prompt: think of the person who just crossed your mind, and either send the text or pick up the phone, because "those are the people in your life that matter."

July 2, 20269 MIN
EP 030

School Called Me Broken for Collecting Autographs at 12

Being labeled "different" in elementary school can pile up evidence in a kid's mind that something is wrong with them, and in this solo episode Ben Beeri traces that pattern from his own seventh-grade psychiatric evaluation — triggered because his passion for collecting basketball autographs was said to be interfering with school — to the autograph and memorabilia business he has now run for ten years. He argues that fifth-grade teachers are rarely experts in the nine subjects they teach, that PE instructors often can't demonstrate the exercises they assign, and that the school system is built to move compliant students from elementary to middle to high school to college to a 401(k) and Social Security, not to support kids with ADHD or unconventional interests. The monologue points to Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Walt Disney, Elon Musk and Tesla, Steve Jobs and Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg dropping out of Harvard to build Facebook as examples of world-shaping figures who were never star students. Covering ADHD, neurodivergent education, parenting misunderstood kids, and entrepreneurship outside the traditional school-to-corporate path, the host reframes "different" as a superpower and asks what these 5- to 18-year-olds could build if they were actually supported instead of sent to the principal's office.

June 24, 202625 MIN
EP 029

Add the Word Yet: How Yesterday Ends Today

The word "yet" is the difference between a closed sentence and an open future, and in this solo episode, Ben Beeri argues that adding it to every limiting statement is what moves people from stagnation to action. The monologue reframes goal-setting through a single picture metaphor: most people fixate on one point and miss the wider frame holding the house on the hill, the dream relationship, or the billion-dollar bank account they haven't claimed yet. He shares his own timeline as evidence — starting his business in college ten years ago, hitting seven figures by 25, and only later traveling abroad, riding scooters, and launching this podcast — each milestone unlocked by treating it as a "not yet" instead of a "never." The episode sits inside broader conversations on entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, and limiting beliefs, with the recurring anchor phrase "yesterday ends today." Listeners are given a direct assignment: write down three things you haven't done yet, set a deadline, map the first step, and post one in the comments. The closing image — jumping out of the plane and building the parachute on the way down — frames the willingness to start as 90% of the work.

June 17, 202621 MIN
EP 028

From 99 Points to Square One: Why Comfort Kills Growth

Hitting a seven-figure business at 25 didn't deliver the relief Ben Beeri expected — it reset the scoreboard from 99 back to 01, and that reset is the spine of this solo episode on growth, comfort, and discomfort as a discipline. The host uses two extended metaphors — the basketball scoreboard that only holds two digits, and the fish moving from pond to river to ocean — to explain why the tactics that took you from point A to point B will make you "crash and burn" going from B to C. He walks through his own pivot from survival-mode hustle to buying watches, cars, and gym memberships, then realizing comfort had become its own kind of suffocation, and the swimming goal that replaced it: one million yards, currently sitting around 950,000, swum in 1,800-yard sessions of 33 to 36 minutes. Adjacent themes include entrepreneurship after the first seven figures, self-development and nervous-system regulation, endurance training, and the psychology of lifestyle creep. The throughline: predictability is the signal to change games, and "there's nothing more comfortable than being uncomfortable" once you trust you can win the next level.

June 11, 202625 MIN
EP 027

Water The Roots You Can't See Yet

Chasing success often stalls when the scoreboard refuses to register the points you know you've earned. In this solo monologue, Ben Beeri reframes that frustration through the metaphor of a 100-foot tree that begins as invisible roots beneath the soil — roots that demand more nurturing than the trunk anyone can see. The episode sits in the broader territory of mindset, delayed gratification, and entrepreneurial resilience, arguing that trust is the only fuel that keeps you watering ground that shows no sprout. "If you don't water it, there will be no tree," he says, framing belief not as optimism but as the prerequisite for effort itself. The host closes on the idea of the scorekeeper who is always watching, even when the jumbotron stays dark, and the day the display finally turns on to reveal every point was recorded.

June 3, 20266 MIN
EP 026

Why It's Never Too Late to Win

A bad morning doesn't have to define the rest of the day, and this solo monologue from Ben Beeri makes the case that wins compound only when you stay in the day long enough to see them. The host walks through a stretch from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. that felt like loss after loss: a missed auction on memorabilia for his company, a sluggish 2,000-yard swim, a canceled lunch meeting, three and a half minutes of cryotherapy at negative 175 degrees that didn't register as a victory, and a podcast recording delayed from 4:30 to 6 p.m. What turned it around was refusing to clock out at 6, ending the night working in flow until 3 a.m., and reframing the same facts under a different state of mind. The episode sits at the intersection of mindset, discipline, daily routines, and entrepreneurship, with practical notes on cold exposure, swim training, and victim-versus-victor framing. As Beeri puts it, "your day doesn't end until you decide it ends."

May 28, 202611 MIN
EP 025

Why Hitting Seven Figures at 25 Broke Me

Hitting seven figures at 25 did not deliver acceptance, love, or respect — it exposed how much of an identity had been built on performance, revenue, and external validation. In this solo episode, Ben unpacks the gap between the picture on the wall (the seven-figure business, the watches, the cars, the high-status rooms) and the picture behind it: simply wanting to be seen. He describes working 365 days a year through college and his early 20s, saying no to parties, dinners, and friends, until he had to ask whether he owned his business or his business owned him. The founder walks through the three internal journeys he had to take — self-acceptance, self-love, and self-respect — and why love tied to performance and balance-sheet numbers collapses under its own weight. He also addresses the social cost: realizing many people he thought were friends were not, and learning that no one can accept you until you accept yourself. Core themes include founder identity, entrepreneur burnout, self-worth after success, and the psychology of young CEOs.

May 22, 202617 MIN
EP 024

Dare To Dream 2026: The Conversation That Changed the Room

What did you dream about before the world told you what was “realistic”? In this powerful live episode of The Authentic Journey, Ben Beeri leads a transformative experience around rediscovering your childhood dreams, breaking through self-imposed limits, and reconnecting with your true purpose. From early passions to life’s detours, this conversation dives deep into how our dreams evolve—and why they never truly go away.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or disconnected from what you truly want… this episode will bring you back. This isn’t just about dreaming.It’s about remembering who you’ve always been. Authenticity creates connection.🔥 Hit the link below to sign up for our next event — "Living in Trust" on Tuesday, Apr 28. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-authentic-journey-presents-living-in-trust-tickets-1985638954565?sg=9359e8ed7a8e1c53f04edd14d3491173f005ebfb8d50965f73b4bb6dc3ad44c62bd4a39aee4f38fb24a974bfa142696597eecf56792a721d6c8c1e112c110fb0ae7569a6c319cbcbe5e9c4a9df&aff=ebdsshios ❤️ Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more authentic conversations.

April 3, 202649 MIN
EP 023

Malik Jackson More Than a Super Bowl Champion

What happens when you achieve the dream, win the Super Bowl, sign the big contract… and still have to figure out who you are beyond the game?In Part 1 of this episode of The Authentic Journey, Super Bowl 50 Champion Malik Jackson opens up about his path from a kid in the San Fernando Valley to the NFL, the mindset it took to make it, what it felt like to win on the biggest stage, and the pressure that came with success. Malik also shares the deeper side of the journey — fatherhood, injury, identity, sacrifice, retirement, and the emotional reality of life after football. This is an honest conversation about performance, purpose, and becoming more than the role the world knows you for. If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a friend.

March 20, 202631 MIN
EP 022

Living In Love 2026: Recognition, Permission & Trust

What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t a lack of potential… but a lack of recognition, permission, and trust? In this powerful “Living in Love: Soul, Serendipity & Sovereignty 2026” gathering, we explore the real work of self-love: giving yourself grace, letting yourself be seen, and learning how to receive love—not just give it. You’ll hear raw reflections from the room on authenticity, identity, imposter syndrome, leadership, relationships, and the pressure to perform… plus two unforgettable activities: ✅ Partner reflections (recognition + permission) ✅ Writing love notes to someone else… and to your future self If you’ve been craving deeper connection—with others and with yourself—this episode is for you. 💬 Comment what word you’re working on most right now: Recognition, Permission, or Trust. 🔥 Hit the link below to sign up for our next event — "Dare To Dream" on March 22, 2026. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-authentic-journey-presents-dare-to-dream-tickets-1983633108024?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=98fd9ac3cae951595326f2a4f1a45b0189363bfa9082e31a36b39015fc5048f2b341e62a37ef7df65ec740df358ade8ea42c764ebde6d4b131bac15444e44d503fa82f4373ea528180904975e2 ❤️ Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more meaningful conversations like this.

March 6, 202636 MIN
EP 021

Joseph Di Giulio on The Small Steps That Saved His Life

Joe De Giulio returns to The Authentic Journey for a raw and honest conversation about addiction recovery, faith, masculinity, marriage, and the small daily choices that define your future. From nearly losing his life to preparing for marriage, Joe shares how sobriety, discipline, and leaning into God transformed his path. This episode dives into emotional regulation, perspective shifts, and why the difference between 49% and 51% effort can completely change your identity. If you’re navigating fear, rebuilding from rock bottom, or striving to become a better man, partner, or leader — this episode is for you. Follow The Authentic Journey for more conversations on growth, mindset, faith, and transformation.

February 20, 20261HR 19MIN
EP 020

Nadi Moss on Sobriety, Purpose & Peace

In this episode of The Authentic Journey Podcast, Ben Beeri sits down with Nadi Moss to share her powerful journey through addiction, sobriety, healing, and personal growth. Nadi opens up about losing her old lifestyle, finding emotional sobriety, writing her book Staying, and learning how to live from the soul instead of the ego. This conversation is about choosing yourself, finding peace, and building a life rooted in purpose. Whether you’re on your own healing journey or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will encourage you to reflect, grow, and move forward with clarity. If this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

February 6, 20261HR 13MIN
EP 019

Brian Lee From Startup Hunger to Entrepreneurial Patience

In Episode 19 of The Authentic Journey, host Ben Beeri sits down with serial entrepreneur Brian Lee—co-founder of LegalZoom, ShoeDazzle, The Honest Company, Arena Club, BAM Ventures, Churchome Global and more. Brian shares how he went from selling Ziploc bags of Halloween candy to building household-name companies, why focus and saying no saved LegalZoom, and how he balances startups with being a husband, father, and man of faith. You’ll hear about: Growing up as a Korean immigrant in Orange County & discovering entrepreneurial DNA Leaving a prestigious law career to launch LegalZoom from his condo The near-bankruptcy moment when a “great idea” (ProxyLaw) almost killed the company Building ShoeDazzle with his wife and Kim Kardashian—and why fashion is brutal Co-founding The Honest Company with Jessica Alba & the trap of “growth at all costs” Why Arena Club is his favorite company yet and how collecting cards became a calling Investing through BAM Ventures and mentoring the next generation of founders Raising creative kids, supporting their passions, and not forcing “safe” careers How faith, prayer, and Churchome Global anchor his decisions and view of success The power of setting rewards, redefining success, and remembering that God’s plans are bigger than our own If you’re an entrepreneur (or aspiring one), a parent of a creative kid, or someone wrestling with the next leap in life, this conversation will hit home. 👉 If this episode resonates, follow the show, rate & review, and share it with a friend who needs courage to start.

January 23, 20261HR 05MIN
EP 018

Reflect & Reveal: Remember Who You Are & Step Into 2026!

2025 didn’t “end” — it shaped you. It grew you. It revealed you.Reflect & Reveal explores the power of remembrance, authenticity, identity, community, and stepping boldly into 2026 with intention.This isn’t about resolutions — it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be.Your wins, your challenges, and your quiet transformations are all part of your story.**Follow along the video with questions from the event:****1. What are you most proud of from your 2025 chapter?**(A choice you made, a way you showed up, or something you grew from.)**2. What moment from 2025 changed you in a quiet way?**(A realization, experience, or shift that stayed with you.)**3. What is your favorite memory from 2025 — when you felt most present or alive?**(A time you didn’t want to be anywhere else.)**4. One Word — Reflection Exercise**Once you’ve completed the questions, take your notecard and write **one word** that feels like a common thread or defining theme of your 2025.Take what serves you into 2026. Leave what doesn’t.Step into alignment, into community, into your next chapter.Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more motivational, reflective, and transformational content.

January 12, 202632 MIN
EP 017

Paz Josefzon From Tough Love to Self-Compassion

In Episode 16 of The Authentic Journey, Ben Beeri sits down with Paz Josefzon for a raw, honest conversation about inner child healing, emotionally immature parents, and the patterns that shape our self-worth, relationships, and leadership. Paz shares a powerful realization sparked by unexpected feedback at work and how it revealed a deeper truth about control, safety, and the search for external validation. Together, they explore what it means to integrate your past self, listen to your highest self, and stop trying to earn worth through performance, success, or approval. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in old cycles, struggles with self-trust, or is learning how to replace tough love with compassion.

January 2, 20261HR 30MIN
EP 016

Gianna Nicole on Food, Healing & Following God’s Calling

Chef Gianna Nicole joins Ben Berri for a powerful conversation on faith, food, and purpose. Gianna shares how God guided her journey into the culinary world (including a major redirect right before COVID), how she views cooking as a calling to serve, and what she’s learned through health challenges and healing. They also talk practical wellness—whole foods, ingredient labels, meal prep, and why nourishment impacts your energy, mindset, and spiritual clarity.

December 26, 20251HR 08MIN
EP 015

Nick Pardini: Why Time Feels Faster & Life Feels Harder!

In Episode 15 of The Authentic Journey, Ben Beeri speaks with Nicholas Padini about money, identity, purpose, mindset, and navigating a rapidly changing world. Nick shares powerful insights on financial clarity, personal authenticity, why life feels overwhelming today, and how to build a grounded sense of self. A thoughtful, inspiring conversation designed to help you grow in both your financial life and your personal journey.

December 12, 20251HR 37MIN
EP 014

George Stern: Trauma, Truth & Transforming the Soul

Ben Beeri and guest George Stern dive into a powerful, raw, and deeply spiritual conversation about ancestry, resilience, authenticity, Kabbalah, trauma healing, spiritual alchemy, the inverted world, and the universal structures that shape our evolution. George shares profound lessons from his family history, his personal awakening, and how confronting darkness leads us into higher consciousness. This episode is real, deep, emotional, and transformational. Perfect for anyone on a journey of self-growth, remembrance, or spiritual elevation.

November 21, 20251HR 48MIN
EP 013

Joseph Shalaby Faith, Success, and the Power of Servant Leadership

Welcome to The Authentic Journey with host Ben Beeri. Episode 13 features a powerful conversation with Joseph Shalaby, founder and CEO of E Mortgage Capital, bestselling author of Rising From the Sands, and a leading voice in business and faith. Joseph reflects on his journey from immigrant poverty to financial success, the mindset required to reach the top 1% in any field, and the spiritual principles that sustained him through struggle, heartbreak, and rebuilding. This episode explores the difference between happiness and joy, how service restores the soul, the role of God in personal transformation, and the responsibility leaders have to speak truth in today’s culture. Joseph offers real, unfiltered insight into fatherhood, discipline, relationships, and living a life anchored in purpose. A must-listen for anyone seeking deeper meaning, stronger values, or a renewed sense of direction.

November 14, 20251HR 04MIN
EP 012

David Sorkin: Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be

Welcome to The Authentic Journey with your host Ben Beeri. In Episode 12, Ben is joined by David Sorkin for a powerful conversation about the human journey toward self-understanding. This episode dives into the work we do within ourselves, the moments that shape how we see the world, and the process of finding a voice that belongs to you, not to everyone around you. David brings thoughtful insight into purpose, resilience, self-discovery, and what it really means to grow from the inside out. This is a grounded, honest dialogue for anyone navigating change, clarity, and the constant pursuit of becoming more themselves.

November 7, 20251HR 26MIN
EP 011

Nick Bravo

Welcome to The Authentic Journey with our host Ben Beeri, where faith meets real life and purpose meets passion. In this episode, Ben sits down with Nick Bravo, a spoken word motivational rapper/artist, speaker, and faith-driven creative who’s redefining what it means to walk in purpose. Nick opens up about grit, grace, and generosity, sharing how faith turned his failures into foundations and his pain into purpose. From performing alongside his daughter to revealing how abundance begins in the heart, this conversation will remind you that your story isn’t over. It’s being written by divine design. 🎧 Tune in now and be reminded that you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be available. Stream and subscribe to The Authentic Journey wherever you listen.

October 31, 20251HR 46MIN
EP 010

David Grundman present The Wisdom of Kabbalah -Love, Light & Life

In this episode of The Authentic Journey, we share a special new version recorded live with our host Ben Beeri and guest speaker David Grundman. Thank you to everyone who joined us in person for this meaningful event. It was a night filled with insight, connection, and inspiration. David Grundman is a spiritual teacher and visionary who helped open the LA Center for Kabbalah, creating a space for people to explore consciousness, energy, and the deeper dimensions of the self. His work focuses on bringing ancient wisdom into the modern world, guiding others toward spiritual awareness, balance, and inner transformation. We hope this episode resonates with you and sparks reflection on your own authentic journey. Thank you to David for sharing his light and wisdom, and to everyone who continues to walk this path with us.

October 24, 20251HR 12MIN
EP 009

Colin Snowball

In this episode of The Authentic Journey, we sit down with the wonderful Colin Snowball for a deep and honest conversation that blends business, spirituality, and personal growth. Colin opens up about his own path, touching on themes like mental health, ego, and the courage it takes to leave your hometown in pursuit of something more aligned and meaningful. We explore what it means to follow your intuition, take risks for yourself, and grow not just professionally but as a whole person. Whether you're navigating change or simply curious about the deeper side of success, this episode offers heartfelt insight into the journey of becoming who you're truly meant to be.

October 20, 20251HR 41MIN
EP 008

Mike Morin: Finding Peace

In this episode of The Authentic Journey, host Ben Beeri sits down with former Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Morin for a candid conversation about life in the big leagues and beyond. From the pressure of the mound to the lessons learned through years of dedication, Mike shares the authentic highs and lows of pursuing a dream at the highest level.The discussion goes deep into what baseball teaches about perseverance, resilience, and identity — both during a professional career and after stepping away from the game. Mike opens up about the realities of competition, teamwork, and finding balance once the stadium lights fade.Whether you’re a baseball fan, an athlete chasing your goals, or someone seeking motivation from real-life experiences, this episode delivers insights on growth, grit, and staying true to yourself.

October 3, 202558 MIN
EP 007

Mike Morin: Life After Baseball

In this episode of The Authentic Journey, host Ben Beeri sits down with former Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Morin for a candid conversation about life in the big leagues and beyond. From the pressure of the mound to the lessons learned through years of dedication, Mike shares the authentic highs and lows of pursuing a dream at the highest level. The discussion goes deep into what baseball teaches about perseverance, resilience, and identity — both during a professional career and after stepping away from the game. Mike opens up about the realities of competition, teamwork, and finding balance once the stadium lights fade. Whether you’re a baseball fan, an athlete chasing your goals, or someone seeking motivation from real-life experiences, this episode delivers insights on growth, grit, and staying true to yourself.

September 29, 20251HR 23MIN
EP 006

Taylor Odore

Step into The Authentic Journey with host Ben Beeri, where real stories meet raw perspective. In this episode, Ben takes you inside the studio for an unfiltered conversation about creativity, personal growth, and the lessons that shape everyday life. From navigating challenges to celebrating wins, this dialogue highlights the authentic experiences that inspire change and fuel passion. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone searching for motivation, this episode delivers insights on resilience, storytelling, and staying true to yourself. The Authentic Journey is more than a podcast — it’s a community built on honesty, self-discovery, and inspiration. Tune in now for authentic conversations that connect deeply and leave you with tools to grow in your own journey.

September 19, 20251HR 21MIN
EP 005

Alec Mountain

In this episode of The Authentic Journey, host Ben Beeri sits down with Alec Mountain — event strategist, author of Fill the Room, and the driving force behind fast-growing entrepreneur communities. Alec shares how he transformed a hunger for authenticity into a thriving business by creating spaces that foster real human connection and sustainable growth. From hosting his own events to helping coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs turn gatherings into clients and momentum, Alec reveals the strategies behind building not just a brand but a life of integrity. We dive into trusting intuition, taking bold steps without guarantees, and why live events are still one of the most powerful ways to grow a business today. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or creative looking to build community, this episode will give you practical inspiration and a blueprint for creating impact through connection.

September 12, 20251HR 09MIN
EP 004

Daniel Wulkan

On this episode of The Authentic Journey, we sit down with Daniel Wulkan, a long-time sports card and memorabilia collector turned industry leader. Daniel is the founder of a highly successful sports memorabilia business that has brokered some of the most valuable collectibles in the world. With decades of hands-on experience, he brings unparalleled knowledge of trading cards, autographs, rare sports artifacts, and the booming memorabilia market. You may recognize Daniel as the go-to sports memorabilia expert on the hit TV show Pawn Stars, where he spent years authenticating and appraising historic items for millions of viewers. In this conversation, he shares insider stories, the evolution of the memorabilia industry, and how passion and expertise helped him build one of the most respected names in collectibles. Whether you’re a casual collector, an investor, or simply fascinated by the world of sports history and rare collectibles, this episode delivers unique insights from one of the top voices in the field.

September 5, 20251HR 04MIN
EP 003

Kellie Turner

Kellie Turner is a former collegiate volleyball athlete whose inspiring journey from sports to self-discovery has captivated thousands on social media. After realizing she was chasing her father’s dreams instead of her own, Kellie made the courageous decision to rewrite her story—choosing authenticity, health, and purpose over outside expectations. Now a rising voice in the world of women’s wellness, personal growth, and autoimmune awareness, Kellie has built a strong following on TikTok, where she shares practical insights about living with Hashimoto’s disease, balancing mental health, and creating a lifestyle rooted in self-care and authenticity. Her honesty about overcoming setbacks, redefining success, and empowering women to better themselves has inspired a growing community of women to take control of their lives. In this powerful episode of The Authentic Journey with host Ben Beeri, Kellie opens up about her transformation from athlete to influencer, the challenges of breaking free from societal and family pressures, and how she’s using her platform to encourage women to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives. ✨ Key takeaways from this episode: Life lessons from being a collegiate volleyball athlete Choosing your own path vs. living for others’ expectations Building a social media brand on TikTok around wellness and authenticity How to navigate and speak openly about Hashimoto’s and autoimmune health Inspiring women to prioritize self-care, confidence, and empowerment 🔗 Listen now to discover how Kellie Turner turned challenges into purpose, and learn practical ways to embrace authentic living, wellness, and resilience in your own journey. Follow our socials: @TheAuthenticJourneyPod

August 29, 202550 MIN
EP 002

Joseph Di Giulio

From being the #1 junior tennis player as a child and on track for a professional career, Joseph Di Giulio’s story takes an unexpected turn. What began with early success shifted into a battle with addiction, testing his limits both on and off the court. In this episode, Joseph opens up about the struggles he faced, the resilience it took to fight through adversity, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His journey is one of talent, hardship, and ultimately, hope Instagram: @Theauthenticjourneypod

August 22, 202548 MIN
EP 001

Introduction

In this premiere episode, host Ben Beeri sets the tone for The Authentic Journey—a podcast dedicated to exploring life’s most genuine moments, unfiltered conversations, and the stories that shape who we are. Ben opens up about the inspiration behind the show, his vision for meaningful dialogue, and the values that will guide every episode moving forward. Listeners will get a personal glimpse into Ben’s own path—what authenticity means to him, the experiences that have challenged and refined his perspective, and why he believes that living true to yourself is one of the most transformative choices you can make. Whether you’re here for personal growth, real-life stories, or thought-provoking conversations, Episode 1 invites you to step into a space where honesty meets curiosity. This is just the beginning.

August 15, 202510 MIN
Meet Ben, Your Host
The Whole Point

No quick answers.
Only honest ones.

Long, unhurried conversations about the slow, honest work of becoming who you already are.

Meet Your Host

I wore the mask too.

I'm Ben Beeri. I spent a decade building a life that looked right and felt wrong.

I made every “smart” choice. And somewhere along the way, I lost the thread.

This podcast is the slow, public work of finding it again — through long conversations with thinkers, makers, and ordinary people who've been doing the same.

There are no quick answers here. Only honest ones.

I'd love for you to walk a little of it with me.

— Ben Beeri
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