#20 - Ben Sledge (Heartsupport)

This week, I speak with Ben Sledge, Director of Operations for non-profit charity Heartsupport, known for their voracious hustle and drive to serve and show love to those in the alternative music scene. August Burns Red lead singer Jake Luhrs is often attributed as one of the central figures within the organization - however, Jake has always described Ben as his right hand man, and Heartsupport cannot survive without him (along with a few other core members). This is one of my favorite conversations that I’ve been a part of so far in 2016, and I’m very excited to share with everyone.

We talk about:

- Being on the road and how important cell phone coverage is.
- The idea of being attached to your phone while at a show.
- The art of “unplugging” from technology weekly and it’s benefits/challenges.
- The in-depth story of how Heartsupport began, and how Craig Gross was involved.
- Being an introvert (and how some lead singers identify as such).
- The challenge of raising enough money to have a tent on Warped Tour (it’s more than you think)
- The power of being a volunteer.
- Why musicians spending time at the tent is of great importance
- Living out the values of Christianity and “loving people without borders”.
- Being nominated for an Alternative Press Music Award in 2015 and 2016.
- The idea of being at Christian festivals and why they haven’t been there yet as an organization.

LINKS/SPONSORS:
Heartsupport.com
@SledgeHS (Twitter/IG)
@Heartsupport (Twitter/IG)
“Why I’m A Christian and Why I Suck At Being One”: http://heartsupport.com/blogs/why-im-a-christian-and-continue-to-suck-at-being-one/

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