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What happens when a man who once collected samples from nuclear reactors finds himself writing speeches for the Vice President and facing a deadly leukemia diagnosis with just a 2% survival chance? Chris Skates' life journey reads like fiction but unfolds as a testament to human resilience and unexpected second acts.

From the radioactive tunnels of power plants to the halls of the Kentucky governor's office and eventually the Trump administration, Skates' career path defies conventional wisdom. Though his English teachers recognized his writing talent early, he pursued chemistry for stability—only to have writing persistently find its way back into his life through an emotional tribute to his grandfather that unexpectedly launched his publishing career.

Behind Skates' newest book "Moonshine Over Georgia" lies a forgotten chapter of American history. Far from the romanticized portrayal in shows like The Dukes of Hazzard, moonshine was America's drug of choice for nearly two decades, destroying families and communities. The book reveals his grandfather's crusade as a revenue agent fighting a deadly epidemic that continued long after Prohibition ended, driven by a deeply personal mission after witnessing the devastating impact on children.

Perhaps most remarkable is Skates' battle with the deadliest form of leukemia known to medicine—diagnosed the day before he was scheduled for breakfast at the White House. His doctor's stark assessment: "There is no medical explanation for why you're alive right now." Through brutal chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant that required his son to endure 200 needle insertions, Skates emerged as one of just two people ever cured of this specific cancer.

Throughout our conversation, Skates reveals how seemingly disconnected life events—from childhood writing exercises to chance encounters with political figures—created an extraordinary tapestry of purpose and meaning. His story reminds us that our darkest moments often contain the seeds of our greatest contributions, if we simply refuse to give up.

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1985 was a musical watershed moment—a year when rock transformed, pop perfected its formula, and metal forged its future. In this nostalgia-fueled episode, host Ben Maynard welcomes returning guest Shannon Cox (creator of the Talking Rock Fan podcast) and longtime friend Spaz to share their personal top five albums from this pivotal year.

The conversation reveals surprising depth as each participant brings remarkably different selections to the table. From mainstream commercial juggernauts like Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required" and Bryan Adams' "Reckless" to cult favorites like W.A.S.P.'s "The Last Command" and Aldo Nova's "Twitch," the trio celebrates both radio staples and deep cuts. Their enthusiasm is infectious as they dive into production details, chart performances, and personal memories connected to each album.

What makes this episode special isn't just the music discussed, but the stories behind them. Shannon recalls listening to George Thorogood with his older brother in the garage, Ben shares his excitement at meeting Loverboy frontman Mike Reno, and Spaz connects iconic songs to their appearances in classic 80s films. Their shared passion bridges generational divides, showing how music from four decades ago continues to resonate today.

Whether you lived through 1985 or are discovering its musical treasures for the first time, this episode offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, music appreciation, and friendship. By the end, you'll likely find yourself searching streaming services to rediscover these albums—and wondering which five from 1985 would make your own list.

Subscribe to the Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts, and be sure to check out Shannon's new Talking Rock Fan podcast dedicated to exploring music history with the same enthusiasm you hear in this episode.

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Breaking generational cycles begins with understanding that your past doesn't have to define your future. Randi Latzman, creator of Surviving Mom blog, takes us through her powerful journey from childhood abuse survivor to published author and devoted mother determined to parent differently.

During the pandemic, Randi channeled her love of writing into creating a platform where she could share her story of childhood trauma while supporting other mothers. What emerged was a dual-purpose blog – surviving her own mother and the day-to-day challenges of motherhood itself. With raw honesty, she explains how growing up in a volatile home shaped her, but didn't determine her path as a parent.

"You get to decide who you are," Randi emphasizes as we dive into the difficult topic of accepting that our parents failed us. This recognition, while painful, becomes the first step toward healing. Randi shares the moment she knew she had to cut ties with her mother after seeing the same harmful patterns directed at her young daughter – a heartbreaking but necessary choice that exemplifies putting cycle-breaking into action.

The conversation takes a beautiful turn when Randi reveals how motherhood itself became her greatest healer: "She held up a mirror to the parts of me that needed fixing and allowed me to truly see them." Through raising her daughter, Randi found a pathway to reconnect with herself and rewrite her story.

Her book, "From the Heart of a Mother," offers poetry and inspiration for mothers at every stage – acknowledging both the profound beauty and challenges of parenthood. Rather than delivering advice, Randi's poetry provides connection and understanding, showing readers they're not alone in their struggles or joys.

If you've ever wondered if your difficult past means you shouldn't become a parent, Randy's message will resonate deeply. Your history doesn't determine your ability to be an exceptional parent – in many ways, it can become your greatest strength when you commit to doing things differently.

Visit survivingmomblog.com to explore Randi's writing and her book "From the Heart of a Mother" – poetry that speaks to the full spectrum of motherhood experiences.

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What's your financial "sleeping level"? According to investment counselor Mick Heyman, that's the amount of money you can comfortably keep in stocks without losing sleep during market turbulence. This insight represents the philosophy at the heart of Heyman's approach to wealth-building—one that prioritizes investor psychology alongside financial strategy.

In this enriching conversation, Heyman shares wisdom from his new book, "Mellow Your Money: How to Surf the Market and Build Wealth Without Stressing Yourself Out," explaining why understanding your personal risk tolerance is crucial before market downturns occur. Drawing from decades of experience guiding clients through everything from Black Monday to the pandemic crash, he offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on diversification that goes beyond simplistic advice.

The discussion delves into fascinating territory when Heyman recounts stories of different investor personalities—from the conservative "hit it down the middle" golfer to the swing-for-the-fences gambler. Even when these approaches seem diametrically opposed, Heyman demonstrates how each investor type can find success by acknowledging their psychological relationship with risk. His surfing analogy proves particularly illuminating: just as surfers must look toward the shore rather than down at turbulent waters to stay upright, investors need to focus on long-term horizons instead of daily market fluctuations.

Perhaps most valuable is Heyman's candid assessment of day trading pitfalls, cautioning that amateur traders competing against full-time professionals face steep odds. Instead, he advocates a measured approach to investing that acknowledges market unpredictability while building resilience through proper asset allocation. Whether discussing recent tariff concerns, gold as a portfolio diversifier, or the peculiar psychology behind our reluctance to sell winning positions, Heyman's guidance remains grounded in both financial acumen and human understanding.

Ready to find your investment comfort zone? Discover how to surf financial waves without wiping out. Subscribe, leave a comment, and learn more about Mick's approach at mellowyourmoney.com.

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Ever wonder what happens when a hard rock enthusiast meets a music lover with deep bluegrass and country roots? That's exactly what unfolds in this special preview episode featuring Shannon Cox, my partner in an exciting new podcast venture called "Talking Rock Fan."

What makes our musical chemistry work is how differently we've experienced rock music. Shannon grew up surrounded by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn (even seeing them live shortly before Conway passed) before discovering Kiss, Judas Priest, and eventually thrash metal. Meanwhile, I've been obsessing over album liner notes and collecting specific pressings of favorite records since childhood. These different entry points create fascinating conversations when we discuss the same bands.

The episode takes several unexpected turns through musical territory many fans might overlook. We dig into Rick Springfield's surprising heaviness beyond his radio hits, with Shannon discovering the bluesy depth of Springfield's "Snake King" album. We swap stories about the thrill of finding forgotten albums in record store "cutout bins" - those discounted sections where commercial failures often hide artistic treasures.

Our mutual appreciation for Kiss solo albums reveals how deeply personal music collecting becomes when you're chasing not just the music, but specific memories attached to particular pressings or editions. As Shannon puts it while describing his own collection spanning from "The Beatles to Slayer," sometimes the breadth of what you enjoy matters less than how deeply you connect with what speaks to you.

Whether you're a dedicated vinyl collector, a casual streaming enthusiast, or someone who remembers the thrill of discovering new music before algorithms made recommendations, this conversation captures why sharing musical passions creates such authentic connections between people.

Want to join us on this journey? Subscribe to The Ben Maynard Program wherever you get podcasts, and keep an eye out for the launch of "Talking Rock Fan" coming soon. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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Ever wondered what happens when a grown man attempts to stuff as many marshmallow Peeps as possible into his mouth? The latest Friday Night Live edition of the Ben Maynard Program answers this burning question with equal parts humor and disappointment.

This week's livestream takes an unexpected turn as Ben announces a simulcast on TikTok—a first for the show—while lamenting his terrible performance in the annual "Peep Pack Challenge." Despite once holding a personal record of 15 marshmallow bunnies, Ben barely manages 8 before surrendering, comparing himself to an aging baseball player who can no longer catch up to fastballs. The self-deprecating humor and genuine disappointment make for an endearingly authentic moment.

Between celebrity birthdays, historical facts, and show updates, Ben shares news of an exciting venture: a music-focused podcast called "Talking Rock Fan" with his friend Shannon from Indiana. Their natural chemistry during test runs promises engaging conversations for music enthusiasts, with a Facebook page already active for curious listeners. Ben also recounts a parking lot mishap where someone backed into his truck and drove away, prompting an impromptu chase to capture the license plate.

Perhaps most touching is Ben's brief but heartfelt reminder about Easter's true significance amid the marshmallow madness. As a self-described "staunch Christian," he emphasizes that while egg hunts and baskets are fun, the resurrection story remains central to the holiday's meaning—adding unexpected depth to an otherwise lighthearted stream.

Whether you're here for the challenges, the conversation, or simply Ben's inimitable hosting style, this episode delivers the perfect Friday night entertainment. Subscribe to the podcast, follow on social media, and join the growing Ben Maynard community for more unpredictable moments every week!

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As we mark the 50th anniversary of Aerosmith's groundbreaking masterpiece "Toys in the Attic," I'm taking you on a personal journey through one of rock's most influential albums and its lasting impact on music history.

Released on April 8, 1975, this nine-track, 37-minute powerhouse would go on to sell over 9 million copies and deliver two of Aerosmith's most enduring hits: "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion." But what makes this album truly special goes far beyond those radio staples – it captured a band at the absolute peak of their powers, with guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford hitting their stride after extensive touring.

My relationship with this album began as a 12-year-old Kiss fanatic reluctantly allowing another band into my musical universe. That initial resistance quickly melted away as tracks like "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," and the explosive title track worked their magic. Fifty years later, these songs haven't lost an ounce of their power.

We'll also explore how this album's legacy extends far beyond its initial release. When Run DMC collaborated with Tyler and Perry on "Walk This Way" in 1986, it didn't just reach #4 on the Billboard charts – it completely resurrected Aerosmith's career after years of decline and substance abuse struggles, introducing them to an entirely new generation.

I'm counting down my personal top 20 Aerosmith songs from the 70s, and you might be surprised where some of your favorites land! Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering these classics for the first time, join me in celebrating this landmark album that helped define American hard rock.

Subscribe to the Ben Maynard Program wherever you get your podcasts, and let me know your Aerosmith favorites in the comments below!

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September 18, 1978 marked a revolutionary moment in rock history – the day all four KISS members simultaneously released solo albums. This wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a strategic move to keep the band together during a period of internal friction that fans wouldn't fully understand until years later.

On this episode, I dive deep into these four legendary albums, sharing my personal rankings and memories of experiencing them as a 13-year-old superfan. For those not steeped in KISS lore, these records offer fascinating insights into the personalities behind the makeup. Peter Criss surprised everyone with his jazz, swing and R&B influences. Gene Simmons recruited an astonishing lineup of guest stars including Cher, Donna Summer, and Bob Seger. Ace Frehley delivered the only legitimate hit single ("New York Groove") while revealing previously untapped potential. Paul Stanley crafted arguably the most cohesive and KISS-like collection.

What makes these albums particularly compelling is how they capture the band at their commercial peak while revealing the creative differences that would eventually lead to lineup changes. As a teenage fan, I initially struggled to understand Peter's departure from the KISS sound, but with age came appreciation for what each member was trying to express. These weren't just KISS albums – they were personal statements that reflected four distinct musical journeys.

Whether you're a longtime member of the KISS Army or simply interested in rock history, these solo albums represent a fascinating experiment that has never been duplicated on the same scale. Which one ranks highest in your collection? Join the conversation and share your own rankings in the comments!

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