The Ben Schneider Show: Recent Episodes
Ben Schneider
GRID Network contributor and former Gordon College XC/TF athlete Ben Schneider hosts his own podcast, the Ben Schneider Show. Ben brings a different guest onto the show each episode for insight into their stories, whether it be in the world of motorsports, athletics, Gordon, or anything else.
March 27, 2023: Ben sits down with GRID Network founder Joe Samaniego to discuss Joe's time in Alaska, how he developed his passion for motorsports, and what led to the start of the GRID Ranking, which ultimately evolved into the GRID Network. Joe and Ben also discuss the meaning of the number 53 in each of their social media handles.
Follow Ben on social media:
*https://twitter.com/bcschneider53
*https://www.instagram.com/bcschneider53/
*https://www.tiktok.com/@bcschneider53
February 9, 2023: Ben sits down with former high school classmate and soccer fan Robert Sanders to discuss the current state of the sport following the World Cup. Robert explains the tumultuous ongoing situations with the USMNT coaching staff and his favorite Premier League club, Chelsea. The two then discuss the heartbreaking loss the Philadelphia Union experienced at the MLS Cup final as well as the epic World Cup final between Argentina and France. Finally, Ben and Robert look ahead to the 2026 World Cup in North America as well as the futures of US Soccer and Argentina's Lionel Messi amid persisting rumors he may be on his way to Inter Miami CF and Major League Soccer.
Follow Ben on social media:
*https://twitter.com/bcschneider53
*https://www.instagram.com/bcschneider53/
*https://www.tiktok.com/@bcschneider53
January 18, 2023: The Ben Schneider Show returns as Ethan Smith (finally) makes his appearance as a guest. Ethan explains how he developed his passion for motorsports and photography, as well as how he got to be involved with several teams and drivers in the ARCA Menards Series West. Ben and Ethan also relive their time in Portland and Sonoma this past summer working the West Series races on back-to-back weekends. Finally, Ethan gives his thoughts on the current state of ARCA and NASCAR and explains what he's looking forward to in 2023.
Follow Ben on social media:
*https://twitter.com/bcschneider53
*https://www.instagram.com/bcschneider53/
*https://www.tiktok.com/@bcschneider53
August 23, 2022: It's a Scot Radio reunion as Ben brings back both Chase Draus and Liam Carroll to the Ben Schneider Show for the 50th episode. Ben hears how both Chase and Liam have been doing since graduating last May, debates the behavior of Boston and Philly sports fans, gets their thoughts on their Boston Celtics making a run all the way to this year's NBA Finals, and leads a game show discussion that ends with further thoughts on Jeopardy!'s hosting saga. Plus, Chase brings back his famous "Two Real, One Fake News" segment.
Follow me on social media:
https://twitter.com/bcschneider53
https://www.instagram.com/bcschneider53/
August 17, 2022: On this episode, Ben sits down with longtime friend and golf fan Brandan Leauby to discuss the ongoing situation between the PGA Tour and the new Saudi Arabian-funded LIV Golf. The two take a deep dive into the reasons why PGA golfers are moving to LIV to see if there's more at stake beyond just the financial aspects of the LIV tour, while Ben looks for comparisons between the PGA-LIV split and the American open-wheel racing split of the 1990s between CART and the IRL. Finally, Brandan gives his predictions on what the future holds for each tour, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and others.
Follow Ben on social media:
https://twitter.com/bcschneider53
https://www.instagram.com/bcschneider53/
August 2, 2022: Ben sits down with sports announcer and commentator Matthew Owens to discuss the world of sports media, particularly in NASCAR. Matthew explains his biggest issues with both Fox and NBC's modern-day broadcasts, why ESPN shows like Get Up and First Take aren't really his thing, and reveals that he shares Ben's passion for game shows. But first, Matthew goes in-depth on why he was so incredibly frustrated following NASCAR's recent trip to the IMS road course...
July 14, 2022: Ben sits down with GRID Network colleague and freelance motorsports commentator Joshua Burch to discuss the path Josh took to becoming a broadcaster. Josh reveals his passion for commentating began as soon as he watched his first F1 race as a child, narrating the races his father would tape on VHS. Ben and Josh also discuss their work together at GRID, particularly on the GRID Live Encore show, where Josh has become a regular analyst for Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing. Finally, Josh reveals what his long-term goals are in the world of broadcasting.
March 26, 2022: Ben sits down with GRID Network Supercars Expert Adam Lemerise to discuss Adam's passion for all forms of motorsports, as well as the PBA Tour, college rivalries, and how Adam came to GRID Network.
March 8, 2022: 2022 Jeopardy! National College Championship semi-finalist Emmey Harris joins the show to discuss her appearance on the program, studying history at Minnesota, who the permanent host of Jeopardy! should be, and touring the Notre Dame cathedral the day before it caught fire.
January 1, 2022: Marvel and Spider-Man superfan Marc "M.G." Sherman joins Ben to discuss the new Sony/Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home. M.G. also discusses how he ranks the previous Spider-Man movies, his disdain for Sony's Venom films, and clarifies his controversial criticism of the Thor character's popular "Ragnarok" film.
November 15, 2021: LASTCAR.info Editor-in-Chief Brock Beard joins the podcast to discuss the mission of the LASTCAR website. Brock also talks about several of his recent projects, including "Until Lap 11", "Three Before February", and the ongoing "Rise of the Field Fillers" series. Finally, Brock gives an update on his upcoming biography on 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope, which has been delayed in order to chronicle the final season of Cope's Cup Series team, StarCom Racing.
Brock's social media: https://twitter.com/LASTCARonBROCK
Brock's channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/nadeau1064
LASTCAR website: http://brock.lastcar.info/
November 12, 2021: Ben sits down with former Gordon XC/TF captain Chandler Hansen to relive their time together as teammates. Chandler also explains his passion for history and why the Astros' sign-stealing scandal is even more frustrating from a Yankees fan's perspective.
October 27, 2021: ARCA West and IMSA sports car fan Hunter Miller joins the show to discuss how his HMiller Motorsports account began. Hunter also details why his interest in modern-day NASCAR has declined and why the sport's favoring of gimmicks over traditional racing is partly to blame.
October 6, 2021: Ben sits down with Kyle Murphy, the man behind the @awesomewrecks Twitter account, to discuss the current state of NASCAR. Kyle explains how the account got started and why his views on racing and wrecks have changed over the years. The discussion then leads into the culture of entertainment NASCAR has embraced and why traditional race fans have been pushed away from the sport.
September 30, 2021: Ben and Noah continue their conversation as they shift the discussion towards sports and entertainment. Noah explains his family's passion for NASCAR and why his own interest has fallen in recent years. The two also catch up on current events in football and baseball, MCU projects currently in development, and relive the days of their game show video game competitions. Ben also gives his updated thoughts on Jeopardy!'s ongoing hosting saga with Mike Richards and where the show looks to be headed in the future.
Intro music: Squadda B - OSA Dress Code
Outro music: Unicorn Heads - Stellar Wind
September 23, 2021: Ben gets the chance to catch up with longtime XC teammate Noah Pfenninger. Ben and Noah relive highlights from their high school running years, including the one season their school had a track & field team. Noah also shares his experience from attending Liberty University and gives an update on what he's up to now.
Intro music: Squadda B - OSA Dress Code
Outro music: Unicorn Heads - Stellar Wind
May 24, 2021: Ben talks about the current state of ARCA and NASCAR with William Soquet, ARCA contributor to Brock Beard's LASTCAR. Will and Ben also compare their experiences in the world of cross-country and track.
April 7, 2021: Ben sits down with stop motion creator, go-kart driver, and iRacing competitor Paul Fodde to discuss Paul's long history on YouTube, as well as what he's been up to since completing his college degree this past December.
March 29, 2021: In lieu of Grid Network's Live Wrap-Up show, Ben sits down for an extended conversation with fellow Grid analyst Kobe Lambeth to discuss how his interest in the sport began, life at UNC Charlotte, and the past weekend's races in Bahrain and on the dirt track at Bristol.
January 15, 2021: Ben sits down with fellow Scot Radio show host Liam Carroll to discuss current events in the worlds of sports and politics. Liam also explains the challenges of spending this past fall semester abroad in the middle of the pandemic.
November 20, 2020: Former Gordon Track sprinter and current assistant coach Corrine Previte joins the show to discuss her career in Gordon athletics, the challenges of teaching through the pandemic, and her love for reading and literature.
November 14, 2020: Sophomore Gordon XC/TF runner Annabel Smith joins the show to discuss her journey from the UK to the US, her career in the world of running, overcoming illness and injury, and her love for art.
November 11, 2020: Ben sits down with XC and Track teammate Andre Dias. Dias discusses his double major in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries and feeling called to a pastoral position in the church. He and Ben also talk about the COVID-impacted XC season, as well as professional soccer, Dias' favorite sport.
November 5, 2020: Gordon Cross-Country/Track & Field Assistant Coach Edison Thayer joins the show to discuss his career in Gordon athletics. Edison talks about making the transition from playing baseball to throwing for the track team, along with his passion for English and literature, his unexpected journey through dance classes at Gordon, and continuing to pursue a variety of post-graduation plans.
October 31, 2020: Freshman 400m specialist Josh Backert joins the show to discuss what got him started in the world of running, how Joe Tibbles helped recruit him to Gordon, and the goals he has over his upcoming four years with the team. Josh also explains his lifelong passion for reading and literature, which he continues to pursue through Gordon's English program.
October 29, 2020: Junior thrower and Boston sports fan Steven French joins Ben for his longest episode yet. Steve tells Ben about his journey to Gordon, joining the track team after a chance encounter with Coach Wikerd, and becoming a team captain. The two also discuss the current state of Boston sports as well as how the sports world fits into each of their majors.
October 28, 2020: Gordon Women's Basketball captain Abby Vampatella joins the show. Abby discusses how important basketball has been to her throughout her life, how she's continued to fight after several injuries, and the challenges of trying to have a season in the middle of a pandemic.
October 24, 2020: Ben sits down with TeddyMax Talanoa, his RA in Fulton Hall, for an extended conversation. Teddy relives his journey to Gordon and what led him to choose liberal arts over continuing his football career. The two also discuss the challenges Teddy has faced as an RA and in student government given the events of the current year.
October 24, 2020: Ben sits down with one of Gordon's fastest new freshmen, Zach Smith. Zach lays out his goals for both himself and the team over the next few years, including bringing the Gordon name back to Nationals. The two also discuss Zach's connection to an active NASCAR Cup Series driver, as well as the sad state of the NFC East.
October 21, 2020: Ben brings first-year Gordon XC/Track athlete Rachel Brennan on his podcast after she broke the college's outdoor track women's 5000m record in a recent inter-squad meet. Rachel explains just how challenging it was to deal with the weather conditions while going for the record as well as how she got started in the sport in high school.
October 17, 2020: Ben sits down with fellow Gordon College XC/TF senior Amanda Page to discuss training before and after the pandemic shut down last season's competition. Amanda also explains the challenges of finishing her Chemistry major amid Gordon's recent budget cuts and reveals her post-graduation grad school plans.
October 14, 2020: Ben sits down with his manager in the Gordon College Mailroom, Jordan Tymann. Jordan discusses his family's long history at Gordon, what life was like for him as a student, and how he returned to the college to manage the mailroom. He also talks extensively about his passion for film, particularly the MCU franchise and superhero genre of movies.
October 7, 2020: Ben's roommate Shane Seekamp returns to the Ben Schneider Show one year to the day of his original appearance for an extended conversation. Ben and Shane discuss life on campus and in ROTC in the midst of a pandemic, fast approaching graduation dates, and important issues at stake in next month's elections.
May 25, 2020: Ben sits down with XC teammate Ryan Locke to talk about Ryan's history as an athlete in running, swimming, and even karting. Ryan also explains his biggest problems with the Star Wars sequel trilogy, how he got sucked into the Pokémon Go craze, and what it was like to be a lifelong Ryan Newman fan the night of this year's Daytona 500.
April 14, 2020: Ben catches up with Jesse Edwards to discuss his three biggest passions of running, music, and Marvel. Jesse explains what got him started in cross country and Gordon's music program as well as how he earned the "Tunes" nickname. The two also have a long-overdue conversation about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
April 9, 2020: Ben gets the chance to catch up with friend Matt Cole to discuss a wide array of topics. Matt explains his passion for communication arts and how Gordon's diverse class offerings have enabled him to strengthen his skills in many areas of the program. Matt also talks about his passion for hockey, leading Men's Ministry at Gordon, his longtime support of the Deegan family, and the current state of Spider-Man in popular media.
March 31, 2020: Josh Crowder joins Ben from quarantine through Zoom for the first BSS to be recorded remotely. Josh tells Ben about his lifelong passion for the outdoors, his gift in the sport of running, and the perfect mix of the two at XC preseason at La Vida. The two also talk about their shared interest in Formula One and the current standstill facing the sport. Finally, Josh and Ben review the 2019 Best Picture nominee Ford vs. Ferrari.
March 10, 2020: It's a pre-recorded Spring Break special as Ben sits down with XC/TF teammate and Chase Hall suitemate Alex Ferris. Alex talks about his journey in running and how he adapted to becoming a distance runner for cross-country this past fall after having been a sprinter in high school. The two also discuss the NFC East rivalry between Ben's Eagles and Alex's Cowboys as well as the fall of EA's Madden video game franchise. Plus, Ben opens the pre-recorded episode with an update on just how much has changed since the start of the current pandemic and how it affects the future of this semester.
March 2, 2020: Ben meets Ed Burgess, the fastest man in Gordon men's cross-country history, to discuss Ed's long career in running. Ed tells the story of how he was always destined to end up at Gordon, stories from his college career, and a transition to coaching at Londonderry High School, where he has now been for over three decades.
February 24, 2020: Ben sits down with Gordon cross-country and track captain Sebastian Toro to discuss Toro's journey from being born and raised in Queens to coming to a Christian college on the North Shore. Toro recalls some of his favorite collegiate running memories, including this past weekend at Bowdoin College for the team's first meet of the season. Toro and Ben also talk about today's music and its crossover tendencies as well as a revived interest in motorsports due to the new Formula E race in Brooklyn.
February 17, 2020: Ben sits down with former Gordon cross-country runner Mikey McKee for an open and honest conversation. Mikey shares his passion for the outdoors, stories from his running career pre-Gordon, and how he learned what it means to be a leader through his experience as a captain this past fall. Mikey also explains how he became a diehard hockey and Colorado Avalanche fan and gives his early prediction for the 2020 Stanley Cup Final champions.
February 10, 2020: Ben sits down with track teammate and recurring "The Photo Finish" co-host Chase Draus for an extended conversation. Ben and Chase discuss the hockey and track programs and Gordon, Chase's love for hockey and the world of professional sports, life as a Recreation, Sports, and Wellness major, and the current state of NASCAR. The two also talk about the validity and marketability of esports, while Chase promotes his own Scot Radio show, "The E.N.D."
January 10, 2020: Ben visits his high school to have a conversation with his former literature teacher, Stephen Rippon. Mr. Rippon relives his time following in his father's footsteps by entering the Air Force, discussing his time in the service academy and how he first gained experience as a teacher. He and Ben discuss the birth of the cross-country team at Tall Oaks and how the team continued to grow through the years. Mr. Rippon also shares his experience in the world of literature as a teacher and an author.
December 9, 2019: Ben sits down with Gordon Women's XC captain Keanna Smigliani to discuss her running career. Keanna relives the highs of going to New England Championships and being a part of the new 4x800m school record as well as the lows of the injuries that have plagued her career. Keanna also discusses her role in the AJ scholars program and previews her upcoming semester abroad in Croatia.
December 2, 2019: Ben sits down with fellow communication arts student Courtney Robenolt to discuss her studies and interest in the world of film. Courtney talks about her upcoming film studies program in Los Angeles, the projects she's done for Gordon, and the vast world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus Ben tells the story of how his hometown's residents became enemies with Pokémon Go players when the game was first launched.
November 25, 2019: Gordon College's cross-country and track & field head coach Justin Wikerd joins Ben in the Scot Radio studio to discuss his career in the sport of running. Coach Wikerd recalls his own collegiate XC career at Goshen College in Indiana, his transition to a career in coaching, and the move that brought him to the Boston area and Gordon specifically. The two also discuss how the team has grown since Wikerd's arrival and goals for the upcoming 2020 track & field season.
November 18, 2019: Freshman Jacob Almeida joins Ben in the Scot Radio studio to tell stories from his career as a multi-sport athlete in high school. Jacob also recaps his first collegiate XC season and previews the 2020 track & field season, where he is open to doing whatever event would most benefit his team.
November 11, 2019: Ben sits down with cross-country teammate William Lot to discuss Will's long journey to Gordon, which involved frequent moving around the country growing up and a late application to Gordon in January of his senior year. Will also discusses his passion for music, lays out his goals for the upcoming track season, and reveals the purpose of starting his own Scot Radio podcast, "The Fresh Take."
November 4, 2019: Ben meets with Nate Hausman, La Vida's Director of Education and Program Development, to discuss what goes into running the first-year outdoor education program requirement at Gordon College. Nate also discusses his career as a runner, which has included training for three Boston Marathons, as well as taking on the role of running La Vida's sister program, Discovery.
October 28, 2019: Ben sits down with former Gordon cross country and track & field captain Julia Drewicke to talk about Julia's running career, including breaking the school record in the women's steeplechase and finally making it to New England Championships her senior year of track. Julia also gives an update on her life post-graduation, including getting married this past summer and continuing to give back to Gordon through the La Vida program.
October 21, 2019: Ben brings freshman Gordon cross-country and track runner Joe Tibbles into the studio for an out-of-control conversation. Tibbles discusses everything from the team's recent pancake dinner at Coach Wikerd's house to stories from his time playing high school sports, while also shouting out almost every member of the XC team.
October 14, 2019: Ben sits down with David Walczak to relive some of their best memories from high school cross-country at Tall Oaks Classical School. The two discuss David's journey from leading the team in the final years of the original Titans to joining Gordon's cross-country team his freshman year. David also drops a hint on a potential return to the track & field team this spring...
October 7, 2019: Ben sits down with his roommate Shane Seekamp to discuss balancing his military training with the usual workload a typical college student faces. Shane also talks about the complete 180 he did on entering the ROTC program, his thoughts on the current state of the US military, his unorthodox gym class attire, and his overall lack of interest in the world of sports.