Ben Best Friends with John Wayne’s Granddaughter (ft. Laura Munoz-Bottini)

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben is joined by one of his best friends — actress and producer Laura Munoz-Bottini, who just happens to be the granddaughter of The Duke himself, John Wayne.The episode opens with martinis, cinnamon sticks, and chaos as Ben and Laura reminisce about their first acting class together in 2015, where Darrell the acting coach famously told Ben to “go write a letter in the closet and fight for Little Ben.” (Yes — in the closet.)From there, the conversation flows from laughter to legacy as Laura opens up about:Growing up as John Wayne’s granddaughter and calling him simply “Granddaddy.”Visiting his house, watching movies in his private theater, and the iconic treadmill story.How her parents taught her humility — to build her own name before ever mentioning his.The power of hard work and why her grandfather’s real legacy is about integrity, not fame.Stories from the John Wayne Museum in Fort Worth, including the custom station wagon built to fit his cowboy hat.A touching story of a man who wrote to John Wayne as a kid and was inspired decades later to open a film studio — a full-circle moment that connects generations of dreamers.The episode takes a hilariously unhinged turn when Laura recounts a career pitch gone wrong that ends with poop in a Tesla, while Ben shares his latest run-in with “Humpty Dumpty Margy” — a troll from his past who came back swinging in the YouTube comments.Together they dive into:Cancel culture and defending John Wayne’s legacy in a modern world.How Hollywood still boxes people in — whether it’s the “cowboy box” or the “gay box.”Imposter syndrome, aging gracefully, and why humor keeps them both sane.Their friendship — built on dark humor, authenticity, and laughter in all the wrong places.It’s part Hollywood history, part therapy session, and part comedy chaos.🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com