In Depth With Graham Bensinger

Actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld opens up about his relationship with talent manager George Shapiro, calling him a father figure, and discusses their shared joy of show business. He also shares how different they were, calling him warm and amazing with people. He explains why he likes to be around those who are good with other people, sharing that he avidly hates small talk.

Tom Hanks’ father suffered a devastating trauma as a young boy, witnessing his own father be murdered by a hired hand. Hanks said the trauma never left his Dad, who seemed to find no joy in life. The two were not close, until a movie, and Hanks’ own divorce, changed their conversation. Plus, Hanks recounts telling his father he was going to work as a professional actor, and being able to attend the Oscars together when Hanks was nominated for Big.

Graham heads to the Canadian wilderness for a long-form conversation with comedian and actor Tom Green. Reflecting on his early days, Green shares how a student council speech about humor set him on the path to comedy.  He also opens up about his battle with testicular cancer and his relationship with ex-wife Drew Barrymore.

Saints head coach Sean Payton on recruiting Drew Brees to New Orleans, including driving Brees around the city, getting lost and ending up in one of the hardest hit neighborhoods from Hurricane Katrina. Plus, Brees shares his thoughts on what he was looking for in a franchise and the real reason he and his wife decided they were moving to New Orleans.

Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren says his finances diminished 90% from 1997 - 2007, fueled in some part by his then-wife Anette Qviberg. Dolph remembers feeling that his wife was impartial about his infidelity, so long as he continued to pay off her remarkable monthly credit card bills (roughly $60K per month) and bought her exotic cars. 

With Russell Westbrook announcing his retirement after 18 NBA seasons, we look back at Graham’s 2014 interview with the future Hall of Fame point guard. Westbrook reflects on criticism of his playing style, the risky decision that shaped his college recruitment and his rise from Los Angeles to NBA superstardom. He also opens up about the sudden death of his best friend, the bad press he’s faced and why fashion became such an important outlet for self-expression.

Jerome Bettis on the St. Louis Rams contract dispute that created tension with his head coach and nearly led to Bettis walking away from the game forever. Plus, he shares the vindication of beating up on the Rams later, as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

From hotel family dinners after surgery to breaking down in practice, T.J. Watt recalls a pivotal moment in his journey. He shares the frustration, the rehab setbacks, and the support system that kept him going — plus how leaning into family, not away from it, changed everything.

In this 2014 interview, Graham sits down with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to reflect on his rise from extreme poverty in the Philippines to becoming one of the greatest fighters of his generation. Pacquiao opens up about his childhood, the sacrifices that shaped him, his relationship with Freddie Roach and the biggest fights of his career. He also discusses Floyd Mayweather, faith, politics, generosity and why he believes his purpose extends far beyond boxing.

Ernie Els shares how he feels lucky and fortunate to have grown up with the means to fully pursue his passions, plus tells Graham about his interests in tennis and rugby.

Dikembe Mutombo recalls his mother’s unfortunate death due to restrictions and limitations in the Congo, why he built a hospital to help prevent future deaths and his surprise at the lack of donations from fellow NBA players during fundraising for the hospital.

Graham spends the day in Austin with billionaire businessman and dedicated philanthropist, John Paul DeJoria. The co-founder of both Paul Mitchell hair products (John Paul Mitchell Systems) and The Patron Spirits Company, DeJoria opens up about his rise from homelessness to Hells Angels to massive wealth, complete with sponsorship of multiple sports teams and a portfolio of charitable endeavors.

Legendary NCAA basketball coach Roy Williams looks back on two of the hardest decisions he’s ever made: opting to remain coach of the Kansas Jayhawks in 2000 and eventually leaving to coach at the University of North Carolina in 2003. He departed KU after posting a record of 418-101 over 15 seasons. Plus, Coach Williams says he’s been recruited by at least 14 NBA franchises to coach at the professional level and imparts advice to viewers to find people in their lives who are with them regardless of the circumstances, whom Coach refers to fondly as “foxhole buddies.” 

Joe Thomas shares how he has learned to approach losses in the NFL over the course of 10 seasons with the Cleveland Browns and why losing on Sunday is the hardest thing across any pro sport.

Graham sits down with motocross champ, X Games gold medalist and action sports star Travis Pastrana, who discusses some of his most death-defying stunts, one-upping friends on the Nitro Circus world tour and a life-changing car accident. Pastrana also shares stories of his frequent night terrors and landing the first-ever double backflip on a motocross bike.

Skateboarding star Ryan Sheckler opens up about a different path he’s taking with his girlfriend, as they’re abstaining from sex until marriage. Sheckler says abstinence wasn’t his thing previously, but he’s taking a Christ-based approach and is excited for how it could play out down the road. Sheckler also discusses his relationship with his father and how he coped with his parents’ divorce.

Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jeanie Buss, speaks on her parents’ divorce, shedding light on the impact it had on her relationship with her father, and how they leaned into sports and movies to repair ties. Finally, Jeanie expresses immense gratitude for her mother, highlighting her beauty, selflessness, and commitment to her family.

Clayton Kershaw reflects on his rise from a high school dreamer to one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. He opens up about Cy Young expectations, game day nerves, his relentless routine, and the deeper purpose he found through Kershaw’s Challenge in Africa.

Terrell Owens on his initial, close relationship with former Eagles QB, Donovan McNabb and when the relationship soured after McNabb’s sharp response to T.O. saying he was open

Broncos head coach Sean Payton addresses difficulties managing the work-life balance across his NFL coaching career. Payton says NFL coaching positions are consuming and talks of sleeping at the office in order to erase commute time and catch an extra hour of sleep.

Seven-time NASCAR Series Cup champion Jimmie Johnson invites Graham to an IndyCar race in California and to his personal warehouse of memorabilia in Charlotte for an In Depth conversation. The elite race car driver candidly talks of “the grind” that led to his 2020 exit from NASCAR, his thoughts on how to help save the struggling sport and a Formula 1 test drive that fueled his pivot into IndyCar racing.

Ron DeSantis says he didn't know Ivy League colleges were liberal until he arrived at Yale in jean shorts and flip flops. In this conversation, the Florida Governor talks about his upbringing, his nurse mother from Youngstown, Ohio, and his father from the steel towns of western Pennsylvania. He shares his recollection of feeling like an outsider on campus and describes how, by his account, the liberal environment at Yale and Harvard Law School pushed him further to the political right rather than the left. A personal look at how DeSantis says his college years shaped the conservative politician he became.

Shaun White on being born with a heart defect, two open-heart surgeries as a young child and why he can never get a MRI

 Graham sits down with legendary golfer, Greg Norman, who discusses losing with class, picking up golf out of boredom and going against his father’s wishes by turning pro. Norman also shares how he built his business empire, the personal costs of success and golfing with his best friend, Bill Clinton, among a variety of other candid stories.

Steve-O talks about the overnight success of MTV’s “Jackass” and the controversy it inspired. He also discusses the show’s transition into movies, the likelihood of future projects and the personal and professional influence of “Jackass” alum, Johnny Knoxville.

Kelly Slater discusses his family’s struggle for lunch money and mismanaging his first million dollars

Graham sits down with tennis legend and champion for gender equality, Billie Jean King. She shares memories of career highlights, including the famed Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs, her decision to help form the first women’s league, and her vision for World TeamTennis (WTT). King also discusses her beginnings in the sport and a tense press conference when she first publicly admitted she is gay.

Seven-time NASCAR Series Cup champ Jimmie Johnson recalls “the grind” of his final years in the sport, saying he was grumpy most of the time. He talks of the significant salary decreases among drivers and suggests that NASCAR cuts at least eight races out of its 36-race season.

Clayton Kershaw on feeling  responsible for the 2013 NLCS loss to the St. Louis Cardinals and trying to get over it

U.S. Soccer icon Tim Howard reflects on the journey that took him from a one-bedroom apartment in New Jersey to Manchester United, Everton and the World Cup. He opens up about living with Tourette’s, handling brutal criticism in England, and the mental pressure of playing goalkeeper at the highest level.

John Daly recalls childhood with an abusive father, and the love he’s missed since his mother’s death.

Emmitt Smith shares his strong concern with the long-term effects of taking so many hits in the NFL and why his head maintains a constant tilt.

 Graham sits down with the most accomplished NASCAR driver in racing history, Richard Petty, at his museum and garage in North Carolina. Petty reflects on racing-related tragedies and using those as inspiration to create Victory Junction, a camp serving thousands of children with chronic diseases. “The King” also shares stories of sustaining severe injuries, courting his future wife and eating fried chicken with President Reagan, among other aspects of his historic career.

 Kimbal Musk discusses the beginning stages of SpaceX and working with brother Elon Musk, with insight into the difference of opinion between SpaceX and the government. Kimbal talks about nearly missing the 4th launch in 2008 following a trip to Disneyland and how the launch left them in tears and a $1.6 billion contract with NASA.

Larry the Cable Guy on growing up with his “old school” father and how he learned comedic timing to deflect from stressful situations and spankings. Larry also looks back on how he made thousands of dollars selling pigs as a nine-year-old and when he tried to hide and raise three baby pigs in his bedroom closet.

Graham sits down with Gary Player in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. The golf legend and nine-time majors champ talks about his tough childhood, Tiger Woods, posing nude for ESPN Magazine, and his obsession with staying fit. He also remembers apartheid in his native South Africa, the criticism he faced, and his friendship with Nelson Mandela.

Jesse James discusses his accomplished football career through high school, and getting revenge on a bully QB

Self-made financier Charles Schwab discusses his start in traditional investing, working as a financial analyst for a small firm. He thought that finding great companies that had the technological answers for the future was the key to creating rate. But soon, he saw the brokerage system, based on fees and commissions, made investment inaccessible to the average person. So when the system became deregulated, he jumped at the chance to build his own business, where his employees earned a salary, and a bonus based on good service. But the company’s exponential growth came with its own set of struggles.

Graham sits down with skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, to discuss skating as a future Olympic sport, video game successes, obsessing over and accomplishing skateboarding’s holy grail and the difficulty of not having his father around to see it. 

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum remembers the many sacrifices his mom made as a teenager, and her battles to pay bills as a single mom working long hours. Tatum looks back on nights when the utilities were cut off, a shocking foreclosure and talks of his determination as a boy to put himself in a position where he can one day provide for his mom and grandma. Plus, we hear how the blessing of a $10,000 check from his mom’s friend provided the cushion needed for his family to get back on their feet.

Sir Richard Branson shares stories from his childhood, including how it took three times around the garden to convince his parents to let him leave school and anecdotes showcasing the difference in parenting between his mom and dad.

Graham spends two days in Monaco with reigning Formula 1 champ, Nico Rosberg, who shocked the world by retiring just days after winning his first F1 title. Rosberg reveals intimate details of his decision to retire, immense stress of his rival Lewis Hamilton trying to steal the championship and the pride of following in his father’s footsteps.

Travis Pastrana on his most severe injuries and his outlook onadrenaline-fueled performances through pain.

Jimmie Johnson opens up about his relationship with his former crew chief, Chad Knaus. Johnson explains the double-edged sword of their brutally honest communication, which he attributes to improving their performance on the track and helping the team win seven NASCAR Cup Series championships over the course of 17 seasons together. Later, he says it was that same brutal honesty that eventually eroded their professional relationship. Johnson also talks about going to therapy to help repair his relationship with Knaus and how those sessions still benefit him today.

In this episode of the In Depth Podcast, we revisit our 2012 interview with the legendary Kobe Bryant five years after his tragic passing. Hear Kobe reflect on his unforgettable career moments, unshakable mindset, and complex relationship with Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant also opens up about the challenges he faced, including the impact of criminal charges that threatened his career.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on his family history of heart problems, a serious scare from a failed heart surgery and when his chances of dying doubled

Billionaire John Paul DeJoria reflects on a shocking turn of events that left him and his 2-year-old son suddenly homeless and living in car, plus DeJoria admits pride made the situation worse as he wouldn’t admit his situation to friends or family. 

Graham sits down with the man at the helm of one of the most popular sports teams in the country, the Savannah Bananas. The always-entertaining team has gone from a small summer college squad to regularly selling out MLB stadiums. Jesse recalls the key moments that lead to the team’s success, and the time they nearly lost it all. He also shares his vision for the future, and remembers his past growing up as a lonely kid in Massachusetts. We also hear from Jesse’s wife Emily, who details the meager living situation in their early days in Savannah. 

In a two day interview, Mike Tyson details the close relationship with his mentor, Cus D’Amato; taped in 2011  

YouTube star turned professional boxer Jake Paul calls his first-ever boxing win the greatest accomplishment of his life, then offers the backstory of his transition out of his “unhealthy” lifestyle as a YouTube content creator and into boxing. Paul remembers the massive influence of boxing champ “Sugar” Shane Mosley and talks of his ultimate goals to retire from the sport as an undefeated champ, and eventual billionaire. Plus, Paul remembers a rejection from billionaire Mark Cuban and how it provided further motivation to succeed.