Friends With Ben: Recent Episodes
Ben Carlos
Ben Carlos is a digital creator from Toronto, Ontario, anchored in storytelling. He believes that the best way to connect to an audience is to tell a compelling story, and that's what he strives to do in the content he creates. Friends With Ben is an in-depth exploration of individuals from all walks of life - why they are who they are, and why they do what they do - through authenticity and vulnerability. Everyone has a story to tell, and every story is one worth telling.
Chris McGill of Card Ladder joins the podcast to talk about growing up collecting Michael Jordan, and eventually becoming a Luka Doncic collector. He also talks about how his love for the hobby and background in music production evolved into creating hobby content and the formation of Card Ladder.
Jeff Hoferer of PackGeek joins the podcast to talk about his love for storytelling turned him into one of the first sports card content creators on YouTube. He also talks about his favourite set and insert, as well as his biggest pull of all time - a 2017 Flawless Patrick Mahomes rookie card numbered to five.
Ryan Nolan of Breakout Cards joins the podcast to talk about his hobby content journey, creating sports card show vlogs. He also provides an in-depth history of baseball cards, as well as how to spot fakes and the current state of the hobby.
Jeremy Lee, the host of Sports Cards Live, joins the podcast to talk about his hobby journey of over 40 years, as well as the importance of enjoying the said journey and process. He also provides a crash course on hockey cards, and shows off some of his Precious Metal Gems.
16-year old sports card phenomenon Sam Conrad joins the podcast to talk about how he got into sports cards, as well as creating content for the hobby. Ben and Sam get into heated arguments over who should win Defensive Player of The Year (recorded before awards finalists were announced), as well as their divided takes on Panini Select.
The story of how one of the youngest coaches in college basketball history transformed into one of the most beloved sports personalities in Canada. Longtime Toronto Raptors broadcaster Jack Armstrong joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how a man's drive, determination and love for calling sports led to an illustrious career in broadcasting. Former Toronto Raptors play-by-play voice, and current Chicago Bulls radio announcer Chuck Swirsky joins the podcast to tell his story
The story of a college football player's rise through the world of professional sports game presentation and entertainment. Russell Kovshoff - director of game entertainment for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and former game presentation coordinator for the Toronto Raptors - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how a man used his strong support system, and love for the game of basketball, to carve out a ten year career in the NBA. Former Toronto Raptors point guard, Alvin Williams joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of a creator's journey through the world of creating content online. Josh Santiago - full-time YouTube video editor - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how a kid from Toronto transcended the world of interviews through his humor and creativity. The legendary Cabral "Cabbie" Richards joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of a hip-hop dancer's journey through creativity and how he won the most important battle of his life - his battle with Burkitt Lymphoma. Michael Stoddart - professional dancer, entertainer and multimedia specialist - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of a quiet introvert's evolution into an outgoing leader, who evokes inspiration and hype in front of thousands. Jonathan Joubran - financial executive by day, and flag guy for the Toronto Raptors by night - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of the art of not giving a f*ck. Jake Brennan - actor, comedian, and arguably the funniest guy I know - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how one spontaneous decision can lead to the creation of something special. Marryl Smith - actress and artist - joins the podcast to tell her story.
The story of embracing who you are, and how far you can go with an infectiously energetic personality. Ivan Derakhshani - professional hypeman, emcee, and content creator - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how what you study in university, doesn't always have to end up being what you do with your life. Kris Galang - economics major, turned photographer, videographer and accidental TikTok star - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how two professional dancers used their passion for people to create a marketing empire. Jorie Brown and Nicole Pollock - founders of Cotton Candy Event Staffing - join the podcast to tell their story.
The story of how a love for sports evolved into a lifestyle of elevating others through passion, inclusion, and creativity. Moose Bendago - sports aficionado and media connoisseur - joins the podcast to tell his story.
The story of how a love for video games led to a life-changing experimental psychedelic experience. Ben goes deep with his oldest friend, and cousin, Nick, as they talk about video games, drugs, family and self-actualization.
Ben Carlos is a storyteller anchored in authenticity and vulnerability. He uses these pillars to learn more about the people who inspire him. Friends With Ben is an in-depth exploration of individuals from all walks of life - why they are who they are, and why they do what they do. Everyone has a story to tell, and every story is one worth telling.