In Depth With Graham Bensinger
550 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 201 ratingsGraham Bensinger travels the world for extended interviews and exclusive access to some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. The podcast version of the globally-syndicated TV show is the only platform to get the full interview, including stories cut from the TV show due to time constraints.
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Episodes
Unseen Struggles: Athletes and actors on mental health
July 19, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 30.9 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified cases of anxiety and depression around the world. On a special In Depth podcast, we’re sharing the personal battles bravely discussed by past guests, in hopes their stories can inspire others to overcome their own Unseen Struggles. Hear from Dak Prescott, Tom Hanks, Lindsey Vonn, Jon Hamm and many more, who reveal their lowest points and encouraging moments of self-discovery.
John McEnroe: Tennis Star, TV Commentator
July 12, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBJohn McEnroe invites Graham to both his tennis academy in New York City to reflect on his reputations as both a tennis superstar and a short-tempered bad boy in the sport. McEnroe shares stories of his rise to stardom, his love-hate relationship with anger and coping with the 2017 deaths of both parents. Plus, the tennis star turned TV personality talks of his fondest memories as a commentator and what life might be like once the celebrity spotlight fades.Later on, McEnroe shares stories pe...
Alex Ovechkin: 12-time NHL All-Star
July 05, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutes - 26.3 MBGraham Bensinger travels to Russia to speak with one of the NHL's greatest goal scorers, Alex Ovechkin. The perennial All-Star opens up about his brother’s death, his parents’ influence and getting over tough losses. He also details his mentality on the ice and the challenges of moving to America to pursue his hockey dreams. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GrahamBensinger. Find TV times for the weekly s...
Dwight Howard: 8-time NBA All-Star
June 28, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBGraham spends the day with NBA center Dwight Howard at his Atlanta-area estate. The 8-time all-star discusses career highlights, from going first overall at the 2004 NBA Draft, to winning the NBA Dunk Contest and upsetting LeBron James and the Cavs en route to the 2009 NBA Finals. Dwight also opens up about his family - from his state-trooper father to his five children - and shares his philosophical outlook on the many lessons learned during his ascension to and through stardom.
Sir Richard Branson: Billionaire entrepreneur & adventurer
June 21, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MBSir Richard Branson invites Graham to the Bahamas to share some of his most impactful stories, including death-defying hot air balloon expeditions, hostage negotiations with Saddam Hussein and overcoming hardships as he ventured into new industries. Branson also discusses his most notable failure, his plans for commercial space travel and the positive effect dyslexia had on his business career. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebo...
Billie Jean King: Tennis icon & social justice pioneer
June 14, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 25.5 MBGraham Bensinger sits down with tennis legend and champion for gender equality, Billie Jean King. She reflects on 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 the tense press conference when she first publicly admitted she is gay.Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow G...
Russell Westbrook: 9-time NBA All-Star
June 07, 2021 11:00 - 41 minutes - 39.3 MBGraham Bensinger sits down with superstar point guard Russell Westbrook. The nine-time NBA All-Star discusses the bad press he’s received, criticism of his playing style and the risky decision he made during his college recruitment. He also reflects on the sudden death of his best friend, his upbringing in Los Angeles and the desire to express himself through fashion.
John Daly: Two-time golf major champion
May 31, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 49.5 MBJohn Daly sits down with Graham Bensinger to discuss a career that began with overnight success in the PGA, but has since taken a downward spin. The two-time major winner discusses his abusive father and his personal struggles with alcohol, gambling and multiple marriages.
Maya Gabeira: World record-breaking big-wave surfer
May 24, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBBrazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira invites Graham Bensinger to her home in Nazaré, Portugal - a surfing destination famous for creating some of the largest waves in the world. It’s the site of Gabeira’s highest highs and lowest lows, as it’s where she had to be revived after a 2013 wipeout and where successful surfs years later earned her multiple Guinness World Records. Gabeira shares her remarkable comeback story, plus intimate details of battling gender discrimination and severe anxie...
Canelo Alvarez: Campeón del Mundo de Boxeador
May 17, 2021 05:00 - 38 minutes - 39.5 MBWe’re switching it up this week and sharing our full Canelo Alvarez interview in his native language of Spanish. We released the English podcast version of this conversation, so check that out if you haven’t yet. Graham pasa el día en México con el boxeador número uno del mundo: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. El atleta históricamente privado, en su primera entrevista de perfil larga, revela por qué pasa menos tiempo en su país natal. Álvarez también habla de luchar para superar las acusaciones de do...
Ryan Sheckler: 7-time X Games medalist
May 10, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBGraham goes In Depth with seven-time X Games medalist Ryan Sheckler as they spend two days together in Southern California. The former star of his own MTV reality show looks back on wild years as a teenager at the top of skateboarding, including celebrity-filled house parties and awkward breakups in front of TV cameras. Now in his early 30s, Sheckler opens up about a drastically different lifestyle, focused on sobriety, abstinence and faith.
Canelo Alvarez: World Champion Boxer
May 03, 2021 11:00 - 50 minutes - 52.9 MBGraham spends the day in Mexico with the No. 1-ranked boxer in the world: Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The historically private athlete - in his first long-form profile interview - reveals why he is spending less time in his native country. Álvarez also discusses fighting his way past doping allegations, his split with Oscar De La Hoya and catching COVID just weeks before a fight earlier this year. Plus, there’s zero hesitation when asked who would win a match between him and Floyd Mayweather Jr. ...
Alex Smith: NFL Comeback Player of the Year
April 26, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBRecently retired NFL QB Alex Smith invites Graham to his home for an in-depth look at his historic career and a discussion that includes the many obstacles Smith endured during his 16 seasons in the NFL. Smith talks openly about what it was like being a young QB charged with turning around a “dysfunctional” 49ers franchise and losing his job to Colin Kaepernick, among many other topics during the 2017 interview. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow G...
Rob Dyrdek: Skateboarder turned Entrepreneur, TV Star
April 19, 2021 11:00 - 51 minutes - 48.8 MBGraham sits down with Rob Dyrdek at the Fantasy Factory in L.A. to discuss his early pro skating career and the many entrepreneurial successes that followed, including Street League Skateboarding, shoe design and multiple TV shows on MTV. Dyrdek also addresses getting hypnotized for success and his most dangerous stunts.
Matt Kemp: 3-time MLB All-Star
April 12, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 25 MBGraham sits down with three-time All-Star outfielder, Matt Kemp, in Los Angeles. The former Dodger standout and now MLB free agent opens up about not knowing how to play when he joined the majors, coping with fan and management criticism, and his shoe collecting obsession. He also remembers growing up with his mom, almost pursuing basketball over baseball and tears of joy when his first long-term contract was finalized.
Jack Nicklaus: 18x Major Golf Champion
April 05, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 54.6 MBGraham sits down with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who reflects on his fondest memories from Augusta National, the dramatic impact of losing his father and his friendship with the late Arnold Palmer. Plus, “The Golden Bear” shows he’s just as busy today with business ventures as he was during his playing career when he won 18 majors. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GrahamBensinger. Find TV times for the w...
Charles Barkley: Basketball Hall of Famer & NBA analyst
March 29, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBGraham Bensinger sits down with Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who shares stories of a life-changing run-in with the law as a child, accepting cash from agents while in college and his thoughts on those NCAA regulations today. “Sir Charles” also reflects on highlights from a legendary career, including the ’92 “Dream Team,” and his relationship with Michael Jordan. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Twitter and Instag...
Nico Rosberg: 2016 Formula One World Champion
March 22, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 48.2 MBGraham spends two days in Monaco with Formula One champion 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, the immense stress of racing against rival Lewis Hamilton and the pride of following in his father’s footsteps. Plus, Graham shares how this sit-down led to a return trip to Monaco for an interview with another prominent figure. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/G...
Mike Krzyzewski: Basketball Hall of Famer
March 15, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 33.1 MBGraham sits down with Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski at the famous Cameron Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. In the revisit to their 2010 conversation, Coach K shares stories from his upbringing, favorite NCAA moments, leadership and his eventual retirement. He also talks about coaching Team USA and memorable interactions with Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Twitter ...
Albert Pujols: Future Baseball Hall of Famer
March 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBThis week on the podcast: Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert The three-time MVP opens up about his tough upbringing in the Dominican Republic, a faith-driven approach towards befriending PED users and his contentious departure from the Cardinals, among other topics. The episode also includes conversations with Pujols’ teammate Mike Trout and head of the Pujols Family Foundation, Todd Perry.
Annika Sorenstam: 10-time Major Champion, Medal of Freedom Recipient
March 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBGraham heads to the White House and to Orlando to chat with Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. Hear exclusive audio from Sorenstam’s Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, as Graham was the only media member permitted to attend. Former President Donald Trump hosted the event less than 24 hours after the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol. A month later at Sorenstam’s Florida home, she addresses ceremony criticism and discusses monumental moments on the golf course, including making history...
NASCAR’s Kurt Busch, Joe Gibbs and Ed Laukes
February 22, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBThis week we chat with NASCAR star Kurt Busch, team owner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs and recently retired Toyota marketing chief, Ed Laukes. They share stories detailing their relationships with two-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch, whom we featured on the podcast last week along with his wife, Samantha.
Kyle Busch: Two-time NASCAR Champ
February 15, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 82 MBGraham heads to North Carolina to sit down with Kyle Busch at the corporate headquarters of Kyle Busch Motorsports. The two-time NASCAR champ shares how Toyota helped him mature from a "young and dumb" driver, his crew chief quitting on him and an intense rivalry with his brother, Kurt Busch. Plus, we hear from Kyle's wife Samantha about their struggle with infertility and Kyle’s remarkable comeback from a devastating injury to win it all in 2015.
Michael Strahan: NFL Hall of Famer, TV Host
February 08, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 53.7 MBThis week, Graham travels to New York to sit down with Super Bowl champ turned Emmy-winning TV star, Michael Strahan. The seven-time Pro Bowler reflects on his move from daytime TV to morning news, predicts his eventual retirement and reflects on 15 years with the New York Giants. Strahan also discusses his childhood in Germany and a deep conversation with his father that changed everything. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Tw...
Brian Urlacher: Pro Football Hall of Famer
February 01, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBEight-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Brian Urlacher, invites Graham to his home in the Chicago suburbs to reflect on career highlights, his lasting reputation and a contentious split after 13 years with the Chicago Bears. The Pro Football Hall of Famer also opens up about losing his mom and shares his take on the NFL's concussion protocol. Watch all of Graham’s video interviews at YouTube.com/Grahambensinger. Follow Graham on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GrahamBensinger. Find TV times for th...
Wayne Gretzky: Hockey Hall of Famer
January 18, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 93.9 MBGraham talks with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. “The Great One” lives up to his moniker as he shares stories of his incredible dedication to the game ever since he was five years old. Gretzky credits his father for helping him skyrocket through junior hockey, discusses the inner workings of one of the most controversial trades in NHL history and why he decided to hang up his skates and retire after 20 historic seasons.
Joe Thomas: 10-time NFL Pro Bowler
January 11, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBTen-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas invites Graham to his Cleveland home. The future Hall of Famer reflects on why he chose to fish with his dad instead of attend the NFL Draft, how he’s already experiencing short-term memory loss and the moment a teammate nearly ended Thomas’ incredible offensive snap streak.
Ron Howard: Academy Award-winning director
January 04, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBIn a companion piece to the Brian Grazer interview, Graham talks with the producer’s longtime creative partner, Ron Howard. The Apollo 13 and Rush director discusses his experiences working on his most prominent films and the Mel Gibson hint he received leading up to the Academy Award win for A Beautiful Mind. Plus, Howard shares how he nearly became an Andy Warhol painting, the time he lied about punching John Belushi, as well as the ups and downs of running his company, Imagine Entertainme...
Stephen Curry: 2-time NBA MVP
December 28, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBGraham talks with three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors point guard discusses growing up as the son of an NBA player, his lack of college scholarship offers and a last-minute decision to enter the NBA draft. He also speaks to life as a family man and his philanthropic support to help eradicate malaria.
Stephen Curry: 3-time NBA MVP
December 28, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBGraham talks with three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors point guard discusses growing up as the son of an NBA player, his lack of college scholarship offers and a last-minute decision to enter the NBA draft. He also speaks to life as a family man and his philanthropic support to help eradicate malaria.
Brian Grazer: Academy Award-winning producer
December 21, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBGraham spends the day with Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer. Known for sports movies Rush, Friday Night Lights and Cinderella Man, Grazer details his strategies for working with Hollywood’s biggest stars and reflects on his partnership with director Ron Howard. Plus, Grazer discusses how his son, diagnosed with Asperger’s, influenced A Beautiful Mind.
J.J. Watt: 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
December 14, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBGraham travels to Houston to sit down with Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year opens up about contemplating retirement after a major surgery in 2015, landing a $100 million contract and frequent reminders he was booed on draft day. He also details his extreme diet and workout routine and his desire to go down as the greatest player of all time.
Sean Payton: New Orleans Saints Head Coach
December 07, 2020 11:00 - 2 hours - 124 MBGraham sits down with New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton to discuss his career journey to New Orleans and his role in helping the city rebound from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. He also opens up about the Bountygate scandal that left him exiled from his team for a year, plus fond memories of coaching his son’s sixth-grade football team while serving the suspension.
Mike Tyson: Boxing Legend
November 30, 2020 11:00 - 57 minutes - 53.6 MBFollowing his exhibition bout on Thanksgiving weekend, a revisit to Mike Tyson’s chat with Graham. The former heavyweight champion discusses his violent childhood, his ascent to becoming a boxing great and his subsequent fame and massive spending habits.
Kevin Love: 5-time NBA All-Star
November 23, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 69.9 MBNBA star Kevin Love opens up to Graham about his struggles with anxiety and depression, including his lowest point when he contemplated suicide. Love also discusses the scary in-game panic attack that made him seek help, his current efforts to raise awareness for mental health and his triumphs and challenges on the court throughout his career.
Ray Dalio: Billionaire Entrepreneur & Explorer
November 16, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 91.3 MBExplorer and entrepreneur Ray Dalio shares his long-standing passion for the ocean and why he wants to fund research and cinematically document the deep sea. The founder of financial powerhouse Bridgewater Associates, Dalio also explains his principles of management and details moments with Elon Musk and Vladimir Putin. Plus, he opens up about losing his mother and helping his son battle depression.
Bode Miller: Olympic Gold Medal Skier & Race Horse Owner
November 09, 2020 11:00Graham chats with the most accomplished men’s alpine skier in U.S. history, Bode Miller. The six-time Olympic medalist offers a detailed look into his second career in horse racing and his plans to shake up the sport. Miller also discusses his skiing career, his opinions on Olympic impurity and overcoming family tragedy.
Brett Favre: Pro Football Hall of Famer
November 01, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBA revisit to Graham’s 2015 sit down with Brett Favre in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where the NFL legend sets the record straight on his relationship with Aaron Rodgers and discussions that led to his initial retirement from the Green Bay Packers. Favre also reflects on playing a day after losing his father and beating his pain pill addiction.
Clayton Kershaw: Former National League MVP
October 26, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 47.9 MBGraham sat down with Los Angeles Dodgers ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw in 2013 to discuss his mentality on the mound, heartbreaking playoff defeats and a surprising pregame playlist of pop songs. The three-time Cy Young Award winner also talks about his charity work in Africa and his strong Christian faith.
Shaquille O’Neal: Basketball Hall of Famer
October 19, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBGraham sat down with four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal in 2015 to discuss the challenges he faced growing up, his inspirations to achieve greatness and a Knicks game that changed his life. The former MVP also sheds light on how he motivated the late Kobe Bryant and the biggest regrets of his career.
Lindsey Vonn: 3x Olympic Medalist
October 12, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBOlympic ski racer Lindsey Vonn invites Graham to her new Park City, Utah, mountain retreat. The alpine World Cup champion discusses retired life, her dozens of injuries and the daily battle with permanent physical damage.
Craig Robinson: NABC Executive Director
October 05, 2020 11:00 - 54 minutes - 54.1 MBGraham sits down with former Oregon State men’s basketball coach Craig Robinson, who was recently named the Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Robinson discusses growing up on Chicago’s south side, a life-changing career decision, and as the brother of Michelle Obama, his relationship with former President Barack Obama.
Tom Hanks: Oscar-winning Actor
September 28, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 83 MBActor Tom Hanks joins Graham from Greece, sharing how COVID-19 has derailed recent projects. The Oscar winner reveals a family murder and his life-long struggle with loneliness. Plus, an emotional Toy Story lesson and reflections from the sets of Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away.
Ryan Lochte: 12-time Olympic medalist
September 21, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBGraham travels to Gainesville, Florida, to sit down with USA swimmer Ryan Lochte. The 12-time Olympic medalist shares his goals for the 2021 Tokyo Games and gets emotional when reflecting on an achievement from his past. Once embroiled in controversy, Lochte discusses his battle back from two suspensions, including the infamous Rio scandal that threatened to end his career.
Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
September 14, 2020 11:00 - 54 minutes - 52.2 MBGraham travels to Dallas, Texas, to chat with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The NFL star details plans for fighting social injustice, addresses his highly-scrutinized contract situation and reflects on lessons learned from his late mother. Plus, Prescott and his older brother Tad open up about a family tragedy.
A Decade of In Depth
September 07, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47 MBWe’re celebrating 10 years of In Depth with a look at how the show has become what it is today. From interviews with O.J. Simpson to a party at the Playboy Mansion to almost canceling the show, Graham shares the highs and lows of the last decade.
Terrell Owens: Pro Football Hall of Famer
August 31, 2020 11:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBGraham chats with Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens, and the two make amends for the 2005 interview that resulted in Owens’ suspension from the NFL. The former Eagle and 49er also addresses his football legacy, standout touchdown celebrations and his difficult upbringing with a strict grandmother and absent father.
Dario Franchitti: 4-time IndyCar Series Champion
August 24, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 36.3 MBDario Franchitti sits down with Graham to talk about the crash that forced him to retire, a short-sighted transition into NASCAR and the best memories from his illustrious IndyCar career.
DeMaurice Smith: NFLPA Executive Director
August 17, 2020 11:00 - 50 minutes - 47.6 MBGraham sits down with DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association. The two discuss Smith’s career path that led him to accepting the position as the head of the NFLPA, his many negotiations with Commissioner Roger Goodell and his continued concern for the safety of both current and retired players.
Bernard Hopkins: Boxing Champion
August 10, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MBBernard Hopkins, one of the most successful boxers of all-time, sits down with Graham to discuss his tough upbringing growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, serving five years in prison and highlights from his illustrious boxing career.