In Depth With Graham Bensinger

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.

Graham interviews Dennis Rodman, the five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer. Known for his dogged defense and rebounding prowess, Rodman shares stories of his 14-year career in the NBA, creating his unique image and why he feels lucky to be alive today. Also, the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year opens up about contemplating suicide and his emotional Hall of Fame induction speech (taped in 2011).

Rick Harrison, star of Pawn Stars, talks about his relationship with Donald Trump, including the time Trump called him the day after his son's death and Trump calling Harrison to apologize for a miscommunication error at one of his rallies.

Former reality star Bethenny Frankel discusses founding Skinnygirl, which became the fastest-growing alcohol brand in history. Bethenny says companies had no interest in a low-calorie, ready-to-drink alcohol product. She shares she was hesitant to sell her product she calls “lightning in a bottle”, but admits she wanted the street credit. She also chats about licensing the Skinnygirl name.

Graham travels to Kansas City for a day with Eric Stonestreet. The Modern Family star shares his unique midwest upbringing tending to livestock as a kid. He also explains how his clowning side hustle got him in trouble once, and the heartbreak that lead him down the path to becoming an actor. The Emmy winner goes into detail about the grueling audition process to get the role of Cam and reveals behind the scenes stories on the set of the hit show. Stonestreet also remembers the emotions of his father's passing, and explains how he became friends with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. 

Rob Dyrdek admits he felt unfulfilled as a pro skater, and at age 24, literally got hypnotized for success

NBA star forward Jayson Tatum fondly remembers waking up early to hone his craft in an empty gym at 6:15AM as a high schooler - a routine that his mom Brandy says gave her the realization her son really would play in the NBA one day. Plus, Jayson candidly shares some of the self-doubt that crept in early into the 2021-2022 season, as the Boston Celtics started the season poorly. He goes on to share his mental process of internalizing any issues and his mom rejoins the conversation to explain why she’d intentionally piss her son off with strategic texts at halftime. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sits down with Graham Bensinger for a wide-ranging conversation on his 2024 presidential campaign and evolving relationship with Donald Trump, his high-profile fight with Disney, and his controversial COVID-19 response. DeSantis also opens up about his wife Casey's breast cancer battle, growing speculation she could run for governor, and what may come next after eight years leading Florida.

 Bryce Adams discusses how her background in data and business fueled her rise to becoming one of the most-followed creators on OnlyFans. She also touches on the behind the scenes, sharing how she manages the production and day-to-day operations of her brand. Adams discusses the huge amount of money her channel brings in each year - and why she’s always looking to reinvest in the company.

Lewis Hamilton on getting into racing with his dad and the difficulties of firing him.

From championships and rivalries to raising a young racer of his own, Kyle Busch shares the lessons, pressures, and personal moments that have defined his life in NASCAR.

Jesse James started out welding fenders for others; things took off when he realized he could do it better.

Comedian Adam Devine chats about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, saying he always knew where to draw the line when it came to drinking or doing drugs. He also discusses his fitness regimen and how having a child has changed his life.

Graham sits down with PGA Hall of Famer, Arnold Palmer, in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Palmer discusses his various presidential pals, including a close friendship with President Dwight Eisenhower. The four-time Masters winner is at times emotional as he opens up about the influence his father had on his life, his friend and rival Jack Nicklaus and his most significant accolades.

Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno opens up about the relationship he shared with Johnny Carson and an impactful tip from Carson he still remembers to this day.

Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole shares his fear of irrelevance and the benefits of managing merchandise, concessions, ticketing, and broadcasting in-house.

Graham sits down with All-Star NBA point guard and MVP prospect, Stephen Curry. Curry - who received more All-Star votes than LeBron James or any other player - discusses growing up as the son of a NBA player, his lack of college scholarship offers and a last-minute decision to join the NBA draft. He also goes into detail about life as a family man, the firing of former Warriors coach, Mark Jackson, and philanthropic support to help eradicate malaria.

Childhood actor turned award-winning director Ron Howard looks back on the first time he met John Wayne, as they were cast together for the 1976 film “The Shootist.” Howard heralds Wayne as a giant in the industry and in stature, and how an abnormal offer forged a quick bond with The Duke.

Howie Mandel goes in depth about his early experiences with OCD, sharing how his wife Terry, along with medication and therapy, have been vital in keeping him alive. He also reflects on the sense of contentment he feels with where he is in life today and how every day is a battle of fighting off darkness. 

Netflix co-founder and former CEO Reed Hastings sits down with Graham Bensinger for a rare, unfiltered conversation. From the failed Blockbuster pitch to the Qwikster disaster, the keeper test that defined Netflix culture, Netflix's bid for Warner Brothers, and the marriage counselor who called him a "systematic liar" — Reed holds nothing back.

Brett Favre remembers the last concussion of his career and said he doesn’t worry about long-term effects

NASCAR champ Kyle Busch addresses early criticism of his short fuse temperament and how he’s eventually learned to care less about losing. Kyle cites a 2011 NASCAR Trucks race where he took out his frustration on top competitor Ron Hornaday Jr. and crashed him into a wall while under caution, and his son Brexton’s “inherited” hatred for losing. Plus, Kurt Busch and Kyle’s wife Samantha join the conversation to discuss Kyle’s upbringing and his intense focus during race days.