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Why Not Almost There? I had never run a long race in my life, but here I am, in the middle of the 2015 Chicago Marathon. I’m feeling fantastic, even thinking I could go double the distance. Just being in this race was a mini-miracle. I had heart surgery and back surgery a decade earlier. I could barely stand back then, let alone run. Nonetheless, I’m fired up and feel better than ever. Then I see right in front of me— a sign that nearly stops me in my tracks, NOT ALMOST THERE. I try to brush it off but can’t stop thinking about those words. Every step seems heavier, harder, and then I start cramping up. I begin to walk and complain inside and out. I struggle the entire second half but finish (barely) with everything I have after being physically and mentally crushed. I have never stopped thinking about that sign but that’s fueled a quest to understand the power of the mind, body, and spirit. To understand how we accomplish things. To understand how we become better in the race against time and ourselves. Who am I? Southside Chicago kid. Young Father (20). Assembly line worker. Found 15 seconds between building cars to study. Graduated. Took 5 years. Created a few companies. Sold two. 800 employees. Created Refuel and Not Almost There to help others.
Episodes
Sunday Sep 19, 2021
Sunday Sep 19, 2021
Ben Mollin's story is incredible. From life-long medical impairments to dealing with depression and attempted suicide to becoming a rockstar hairdresser on a reality tv show. He has broken down every barrier put in his way, and fear is no longer in his vocabulary.
Ben Mollin is an award-winning speaker, 2-time Ironman finisher, ultramarathon runner, an internationally recognized hairdresser, and an internationally recognized leader in personal development and peak performance strategies. He has been teaching entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, and people from all walks of life how to create the life they desire. In 2007, Ben made his television debut on "Shear Genius," Bravo TV's reality competition for hairdressers, finishing second. Show judges Sally Hershberger and Vidal Sassoon commended Ben for his raw talent and his growth over the course of the competition. Ben is an international guest artist for hair cutting classes, personal appearances, and video projects, is on the hit TV show “The Look All-Stars” and in "50 Hairstylists," a book featuring the fifty most influential hairdressers in the country.
→IN THIS EPISODE… Joe sits down with Ben Mollin, a friend he knew in high school and recently reconnected with over the last two years. What Joe remembered about Ben was how he appeared to have everything; charisma, confidence, and a born leader. BUT Ben was actually suffering from depression and had attempted suicide in front of his parents at the age of 14 due to what he thought was an insurmountable health setback. He was able to get help find music and then he started an incredible career, from his success on a Reality Show, Sheer Genius, to starting the Ben Mollin Project, where he shares his story and empowers those around him. Ben’s story has an incredible arc; from depression to suicidal thoughts to burning it all down to start over and not being afraid of anything.
🔍 Breakdown with Ben Mollin:
Chapter 1 (0:00) Joe Introduces Ben
Joe sets up the episode and welcomes Ben Mollin to the show
Chapter 2 (2:00) 14 years old and attempting suicide
Ben found himself struggling after getting a medical diagnosis which made him wear a helmet to school at 14 when appearance is a big aspect of your identity.
Chapter 3 (11:58) Finding music as an outlet
Nirvana came out and Ben really started being influenced by music
Chapter 4 (16:32) Getting started in the hair business
After graduating high school Ben went to beauty school. He worked at supercuts, and then a spa in Lansing. Soon after he bought his first salon.
Chapter 5 (20:22) How do you find joy
To Ben joy is constant. He realized early on that success to him is fun when there is consistency and stability.
Chapter 6 (24:08) Getting on a reality show
Finding himself 100K in debt, he was approached by someone from the bravo network to be a part of a new reality hairdresser competition and the prize amount was… exactly 100K.
Chapter 7 (36:40) Vidal Sassoon and lessons from Reality-TV
Vidal got Ben on his path to teaching. He shared some wisdom about what his career path should be that sent Ben in a pivotal direction.
Chapter 8 (40:54) Bad habits turned positive
Ben realized he was having a negative relationship with alcohol. It wasn’t affecting him professionally, but he realized he needed to lead by example.
Chapter 9 (44:32) Suicidal thoughts coming back
Ben was dealing with suicidal thoughts; reached out to a counselor for help. That counselor helped him identify what the real problem was, and suggested relief that changed everything.
Chapter 10 (51:30) Fatherhood and family
Having his son was an experience in itself. Ben’s son was born with a heart condition, so once again he was given a life lesson that he is forever grateful for.
Chapter 11 (58:00) Joe Wraps up the Episode
Joe concludes the episode with Ben praising him for being his authentic self, and celebrating his life’s journey.
DEALING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS:
→National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more
800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
→Crisis Text Line
Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources
Material Referenced in this interview:
→Gummo - Drama/Indie film
→https://youtu.be/APdmX6ch60U Haircuts in the Summer
→https://www.bravotv.com/shear-genius
→https://www.ironcowboy.com/
📞 Connect with Ben
→https://www.instagram.com/benmollin/
→https://www.facebook.com/ben.mollin
→https://twitter.com/FnMollin
→https://www.benmollinproject.com/
👊 To learn more about Not Almost There by visiting this link
→ Not Almost There http://notalmostthere.com/
Connect with Joe on social here:
→Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joe_chura/
→Facebook https://www.facebook.com/notalmostthere/
→Twitter http://twitter.com/joechura