Welcome to episode 75 of Life in Bold! I'm your host, Ben Hawes! I’m back with a brand new 2026 life update because a lot has changed. In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on my new job as an Office Manager in NYC at Rocket Money, getting my comedy career back up and running, releasing my Valentine’s Day album in February, and taking the Glowing Stars Tour on the road.I’m also sharing some exciting comedy updates, including my upcoming comedy album and the fact that I got booked for my big Club Cumming solo debut this August!This episode is personal, honest, and full of updates from this new chapter of life, work, comedy, music, and everything in between.Thanks for listening and being part of Life in Bold.Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/benhawesHQ

What starts as a casual train of though by Ben turns into a layered self-inquiry about communication, connection, identity, and impact.

Welcome to Episode 72 of "Life in Bold" with Ben Hawes! In this episode, Ben takes us on a journey from his early inspiration by iCarly to his current success as a content creator and podcaster. Discover how iCarly sparked his interest in the internet and led him to create content for over 17 years. Ben shares exciting news about a new podcasting platform that has enhanced his production capabilities, making editing and storytelling more seamless than ever. As we celebrate reaching Episode 72, Ben reflects on the challenges and triumphs of podcasting, drawing inspiration from fellow podcaster Victoria Brown. Learn about the persistence required to reach podcast milestones and the importance of embracing change for personal growth. Ben discusses his aspirations for 2026, focusing on innovation, setting new goals, and balancing personal and professional life. This episode is packed with insights on creativity, the evolution of Ben Hawes HQ, and the joy of pursuing passions. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting, Ben's journey offers valuable lessons on living life boldly and authentically. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration and actionable insights. Subscribe now and join Ben on his journey of creativity and growth. #Podcasting #ContentCreation #LifeInBold #PersonalGrowth #Innovation

In this episode, I talk through the mix of feelings that hit me after my big trip back to California, a wedding in San Francisco, and my return to NYC. I ended up needing an "emergency life coaching session" with Claire from The Happy Hour in Nashville (virtually), and I walked away with some new insights that honestly shifted a lot for me.I get into the difference between success and security, how to actually show up for someone who’s feeling low, what manifesting really means in practice rather than the way it gets talked about, and my wish for you as we close out 2025.

As 2025 winds down, I’m sitting with the big questions. Should I get a job again? Is my business working? What’s next for me creatively, financially, personally? This episode isn’t a highlight reel — it’s an honest check-in about what it feels like to chase big dreams when the year is ending and you’re not sure what the next one will bring.If you’ve ever questioned your direction or felt that mix of hope and panic that comes with a new year, this one’s for you.

In the very very iconic Episode 69 of Life in Bold, host Ben Hawes sits down with Mike Andronico, an Astoria-based musician and tech review journalist for CNN Underscored, to talk about his journey into music, friendship, and creative expression. Mike opens up about finding new friendships through band life, balancing two active music projects, and the release of Ghost Tour’s upcoming EP.Mike's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mike_andronicoBen's Insta: : https://www.instagram.com/benhawesHQThis milestone episode 69 also features a live performance of Mike’s original Ghost Tour song “NBA Playoffs” — a heartfelt track that goes way deeper than basketball.Whether you're a fellow musician, a late bloomer creative, or just here for the vibes (and the fact that it's episode 69), you’ll love this conversation.Keywords: Mike Andronico podcast, Ghost Tour band, NBA Playoffs song, Life in Bold episode 69, musician friendships, adult creativity, indie music Brooklyn, Queens, Ghost Tour EP, creative late bloomers, Ben Hawes podcast, music and identity, live music podcast, funny episode 69 podcast, NYC musicians, music friendships.

In this episode of Life in Bold, I sit down with comedian, cabaret star, and international man of intrigue David Mills.We talk about everything from working with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in Florence Foster Jenkins, to building a comedy career across San Francisco, New York, and London, to the magic of sitting on a stool and saying something funny.We also get into:Why London comedy audiences are differentHow stand-up and cabaret overlap (and where they don’t)What it means to reinvent yourself—again and againWhy boldness doesn’t always mean being loud and bigDavid shares hilarious stories, hard-won wisdom, and the kind of advice only a sharp, stylish comic who’s seen it all can give.💬 Tell us in the comments what “being bold” means to you.🔔 Subscribe for more bold conversations with artists, creatives, and people doing things their own way.📌 Follow David MillsInstagram: @davidmillsdeptSubstack: Quality Time with David Mills📌 Follow me (Ben Hawes)Instagram: @benhawesHQCreative Work: https://benhawesHQ.com🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

In Episode 68 of Life in Bold, Ben Hawes sits down with Sarah Batchu, a bold first-time candidate for New York City Council in District 2. From knocking on doors to fighting for housing justice, Sarah is running a grassroots campaign focused on equity, housing, public health, and a healthy dose of queer visibility. She shares stories from the trail (including a surprise “I love Sarah Batchu!” moment), her deep roots in public service, and her commitment to making NYC a city where everyone can thrive.Q: What’s her vision for District 2?A city that works for everyone — not just the wealthy. That means building affordable housing, expanding mental health care, and protecting public hospitals like Beth Israel.Q: How does she support LGBTQ+ New Yorkers?By fighting for gender-affirming care, investing in queer youth, and pushing back on policies that harm trans communities.Q: What makes her different from other candidates?Sarah’s worked in City Hall, built programs for underserved youth, and led on-the-ground community efforts in the Lower East Side.Visit sarahbatchu.nyc to learn more, donate, or find your early voting location before the June 24th primary.Find Ben Hawes at BenHawesHQ.com

In this episode of Life in Bold, I (Ben Hawes!) sit down with the absolutely iconic Liz Coin—actor, improviser, and full-on clown—to talk about what it actually means to live boldly as an artist. Liz gets real about bombing on stage, finding joy in the flop, and why letting her 11-year-old self run the show might be the best decision she’s ever made.We get into clowning, perfectionism, social media, grief, self-trust, and what happens when you finally stop trying to be someone else and just… become a weirdo on purpose. This convo is full of heart, hilarity, and some serious creative truth bombs.She’s off to Edinburgh Fringe, I just dropped my EP, and we both agree—feet on the floor is where the magic happens.—🎧 Hosted by Ben Hawes @BenHawesHQ🎟 Follow Liz @lizcoin✨ Subscribe for more episodes about boldness, creativity, and becoming who you actually are

In this honest and deeply relatable episode, Host Ben Hawes sits down with fellow musical comedian and performer Seann Cantatore for her third time on Life in Bold. The two dive into the messy reality of pursuing creative dreams—the comparison traps, the Instagram illusions, and why “killing it” doesn’t always feel like success.Subscribe for new episodes!