Episode 145 - Ben Curtis - From 9/11 Trauma to Dude Nation: Ben Curtis on Redefining Masculinity, Healing, and Turning Adversity Into Art

This episode: From 9/11 Trauma to Dude Nation: Ben Curtis on Redefining Masculinity, Healing, and Turning Adversity Into Art.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Life's non-linear path and how we respond to adversity. (0:11)
  • Ben Curtis shares his story of overcoming life's adversities with resilience and gratitude.

• Personal growth and overcoming adversity through different perspectives. (2:20)
  • Host Drew Deraney: 3 types of men respond to adversity - victim, survivor, or warrior.
  • Ben Curtis: Adversity is opportunity for growth, not a barrier.
• Life changes after 9/11 and personal growth. (5:40)
  • Ben recounts life-changing events before and after 9/11, including PTSD and spiritual growth.

• Tisch School of the Arts, personal experiences, and family dynamics. (8:01)
  • Ben’s family dynamics and personal experiences influenced his decision to pursue acting and theater.
  • Drew’s son's life coach, Jim Stroker, shared a story about Ally Stroker, a wheelchair-bound actress who attended Tisch School of the Arts, inspiring the speaker to pursue their dreams.

• Healing, identity, and sexuality through adversity. (14:50)
  • Ben reflects on his upbringing, parents' divorce, and father's journey as an openly gay minister.
• Personal growth, trauma, and resilience after 9/11. (16:59)
  • Ben reflects on his experiences after 9/11, including their struggle with depression and anxiety, and how they found help through therapy and medication.
  • He has since become a mental health advocate and helps others with PTSD, veterans, and those struggling with depression and suicide.

• Reclaiming personal branding and creative expression. (20:39)
  • Ben reclaims "dude" as a source of empowerment through art and self-expression.
• Personal struggles with addiction and legal issues. (23:01)
  • Ben reflects on past experiences with addiction and legal issues, wondering how their life would be different without those events.

• PTSD, addiction, and healing through art and self-awareness. (25:39)
  • Ben shares his personal journey with PTSD and addiction, using art and film to cope and help others.
  • He emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes of suffering, rather than just symptoms, to achieve freedom and well-...

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Ben Curtis on Difficult People
• (00:03:45) - Ben Curtis on The 3 Types of Men
• (00:09:32) - In the Elevator With Amy Schumer
• (00:12:05) - Ali Stroker on The Tisch School
• (00:17:22) - How My Dad Helped Me Get Through My Depression
• (00:23:00) - Dude in Jail: My Riding Back
• (00:25:20) - In the Jail With Dell's Cops
• (00:26:12) - In the Elevator With Larry Nassar
• (00:27:07) - How Did I Get Over 9/11: Robin Williams
• (00:31:06) - Ben Curtis on Dude Nation and the AI Coach
• (00:36:35) - Ben Curtis on How to Get In Touch With Him
• (00:37:04) - Ben Curtis on 7 to 10 Year Old Ben
• (00:40:35) - What Advice Would You Have For Young Entrepreneurs?
• (00:42:55) - Living the Life You Want to Live