In Depth With Graham Bensinger

Ron Howard fondly remembers his father Rance, who doubled as his personal acting coach. Plus, Ron’s brother Clint Howard joins the conversation and paints a picture as to how their father politely challenged Andy Griffith and helped shape the depth of Opie Taylor as Ron’s character on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Later, Ron remembers when Andy Griffith took center stage at an end-of-season wrap party and announced his departure from the show, plus the warm embrace of a cast reunion nearly 20 years later that validated his childhood emotions. 

Misty Copeland - named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine - takes us through encounters with racism and microaggressions throughout her illustrious career in ballet. Misty recalls dance companies forcing her to wear tights accustomed to white dancers, a makeup artist who planned to apply white powder to her face and more generally a shortage of opportunities and access for Black ballet dancers.  Later, she talks of an impulse to run away from racial disparities and obstacles at American Ballet Theatre, but instead leaned into lessons learned from her mother

We revisit Graham’s 2015 chat with Jesse Ventura. The former WWE wrestler and governor of Minnesota emotionally remembers spending a day with Muhammad Ali, explains his falling out with Hulk Hogan and discusses his time in office – which included a trip to Cuba to meet with the late Fidel Castro. Plus, Ventura reflects on Navy SEAL training and his role in the movie Predator.

Clayton Kershaw discusses growing in his Christian faith and how he uses his personal success to glorify God’s name.

Sports broadcasting icon Bob Costas remembers his upbringing, including anecdotes from his father’s gambling addiction. Costas talks of his dad passing away at an early age due to a heart attack and unexpectedly receiving an envelope containing $6,000 in cash at the funeral. He ponders what life would be like if his dad were alive to witness his career growth and remembers his mom Jayne for her good-natured, self-deprecating humor, among other things.

Howie Mandel - a standup comedian turned actor, Deal or No Deal host, America's Got Talent judge and podcast star - joined Graham Bensinger to talk about his life in the spotlight. Mandel looks back on his rise to fame, his ongoing battle with OCD and depression, and the emotions of coping with his grandson’s cancer diagnosis. Now, with so much success to his name, Mandel discusses why he's still pushing for more, appreciating "the chase" as much today as he did when he was beginning his career.

Growing up, Dak Prescott didn’t have much. From trailer park-living to nights in a motel because they couldn’t pay the electric bill, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback spent his childhood in poverty. But he says his mother worked hard to keep that struggle from her sons and he wouldn’t change that for anything. The trials he faced created a man who was able to appreciate and trust others, and ultimately instilled in him the love of football he has today.

Recognized as one of the most powerful women in the NBA, Jeanie Buss shares times she has encountered sexism in the workplace. Jeanie recalls facing condescension and bullying during a business negotiation, as well as sexual harassment at a conference. She attributes her resilience and strength to the empowerment she received from her father and the guidance she got from strong women such as Billie Jean King and Jane Fonda.

Graham Bensinger travels to Baltimore to meet with Kevin Plank, the former collegiate football player and founder of the multi-billion dollar sportswear company Under Armour. They discuss the tragic loss of Plank’s father at 19, address challenges surrounding the company, and explore his ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the city of Baltimore.

Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet shares how he and fiancée Lindsay first met through social media and how his work with his charity "Big Slick" strengthened their bond. They discuss knowing they’d found "their person" during the pandemic and how Eric’s playful nature complements Lindsay’s grounded personality. The couple plans to host a combined wedding and housewarming party at their Kansas property, humorously noting that "Sofia Vergara is only coming once."