Ep 3: The Buried Life with Ben Nemtin
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The Buried Life with Ben Nemtin
Episode 03: Show Notes
Impact can occur in mysterious ways and we never really know the full, far-reaching nature of actions. Ben Nemtin, one of the creators of the wonderfully inspiring MTV show The Buried Life, has lived a life that shows just how much we can affect change through following our own passions and purpose. He joins us on the show today to share his journey, with all the ups, downs and surprises along the way.
We start out in his early years, his athletic aspirations and the subsequent struggles he had with depression and anxiety. The way out of these low points came through lucky encounters and open-heartedness, something that Ben sees clearly now in retrospect. Ben's life really took on a new meaning when he started to connect with people around him who were inspiring, setting out on a journey to help people and cross-off big goals. What became The Buried Life started out as a way to address questions that Ben and his friends had about living life to the fullest and the momentum they created over time was truly remarkable, even to them! Along the way we hear about impactful mentors, magical meetings and how they managed to raise funds to go out on tour. There are many twists and turns on this journey and this further underlines Ben's belief in a steadfast, committed approach to a unique brand of success.
Today, Ben is a world-renowned speaker with a critically acclaimed TV show in the bag and a slew of life lessons to boot. Tune in with us as we explore this amazing tale of following your heart, chasing dreams and sticking it out!
Key Points From This Episode:
Ben's memories from childhood and his favorite activity of helping his dad mow the lawn.
The high-school rugby experience that deeply affected Ben's self-confidence.
Fear, hopelessness and internal conversations Ben was having at this time
How Ben's friends dragged him from his house and out of town for the summer.
The decision Ben made to only surround himself with inspiring people.
Aspirations to make a movie and making the connections to start the process.
The school counselor that Ben connected with and how this relationship impacted him.
The poem that inspired the next phase of the filmmaking adventure Ben was on.
Financing and bringing this idea of a bucket list to reality with the help of sponsors.
The parties that Ben and his colleagues threw to raise funds.
Beginning the tour; skydiving, knighting kids on the street and making the front page!
Relationships on the road and how Ben and his colleagues managed decision-making.
Weighing the opportunity of producing a TV show and losing control of the project.
Reflecting on turning down the TV show on the second tour.
Ben's second phase of depression, working jobs he hated and hitting a wall.
The chance family encounter that reignited the possibility of a TV show.
Attending the VMAs and hitting the red carpet in Las Vegas!
Reflecting on the rippling effect of impact; the nature of change in the world.
The last few items on the original list that was compiled and working towards completion.
Different types of goals; aiming for the biggest and most important things to you.
The long and winding road of success; following natural paths and saying yes.
Advice from Ben to someone in a dark or difficult period about perspective and commitment.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Buried Life by Matthew Arnold