The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Brian Austin Green Joins As Host!

Episode Date: February 21, 2026

Brian Austin Green is now part of the I Do Part 2 crew, bringing you the male POV you NEED to hear!Email us at: [e-mail] or call us at 844-4-I Do Pod (844-443-6763)Follow I Do, Part 2 on Instagram and TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. In the middle of the night, Saskia awoke in a haze. Her husband, Mike, was on his laptop. What was on his screen would change Saskia's life forever. I said, I need you to tell me exactly what you're doing. And immediately, the mask came off. You're supposed to be safe.

That's your home. That's your husband. Listen to Betrayal Season 5 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Over the last couple years, didn't we learn that the folding chair was invented by black people because of what happened in Alabama? This Black History Month, the podcast, Selective Ignorance with Mandy B, unpacked black history and culture with comedy, clarity, and conversations that shake the status quo. The Crown Act in New York was signed in July of 2019, and that is a bill that was passed to prohibit discrimination based on. on hairstyles associated with race. To hear this and more, listen to Selective Ignorance with Mandy B

from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. You can scroll the headlines all day and still feel empty. I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me, is where culture meets the soul. Honest conversations about identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in between. Celebrities, thinkers, everyday people, some have answers. Most are still figuring it out.

And if you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I'm Bowen-Yang. And I'm Matt Rogers. During this season of the Two Guys Five Rings podcast, in the lead-up to the Milan-Cortina-2026 winner Olympic Games, we've been joined by some of our friends. Hi, Bob, hi, Matt. Hey, Elmo. Hey, Matt, hey, Bowen.

Hi, Cookie. Hi. Now the Winter Olympic Games are underway, and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears. Listen to two guys, five rings on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, I do, part two. It's one of your celebrity mentors, Kelly Ben-Simon, and I'm back with your favorite real-life single gal, Louise. Hey, Louise. Hello, Kelly. How are you? Happy New Year. Happy New Year.

One of the biggest things you listeners ask on the pod is for men's perspectives on things like dating, sex, divorce. And so today we are so excited because we have someone joining us on the pod who will be coming to the I-do Part 2 crew. Like us, he's been divorced and he's found love in his chapter 2 from Beverly Hills 902.10. It's Brian Austin Green. I mean, on that note, I cannot believe that he is joining us. I mean, I remember being in college in the 90s with our producer, Amy, sitting in the den of the Kappa House. All of us jumbled together, stuffing yogurt park down our throats watching him on the TV show. So very exciting to have him on.

I know, me too. I'm super excited. I mean, he's so cool. He's so attractive. And he has a babe. He's such a babe. I mean, the babe of all babes, but also he has a crazy track record of dating. Hot girl.

He's got very good taste. Oh, my God. He's got very good taste. Wait, but by the way, as you were talking about that intro, are all of us, is everybody get divorced? I mean, it's like yet another one. I know. Another one bites the dust.

It's ever. And then Kelly, I have to ask you because the last time we spoke, we were in love. How are things? Is it still amazing? No, we broke up in December. That makes me really sad because I had some hope for all of us. I'm sorry. I appreciate that.

Hope for everyone, too. I mean, he's such a great guy. Just that, you know, our lives are just, they just don't mix and I'm on a new show. And just, you know, it's complicated when you're someone that's in the entertainment industry. It's just complicated. It's like very difficult. And also, as we've kind of lived our lives a certain way for so long, it kind of has to perfectly align or close enough where we can mesh it. Otherwise, it's just too hard.

I run into that a lot, too. I mean, I think that's like the one thing that I find that's difficult is that like I have, you know, friends like, you know, just like you and Amy. Like I have friends from college. I have friends from, you know, from modeling. I have friends from work life. I have friends from entertainment. I have just friends from all over the place. And it can be intimidating.

It can be intimidating. I don't see it like that. I'm like, hey, guys, how are you? And then I go home and I eat Chinese food. Like, I couldn't even think twice about it. But I think it can be intimidating. And I think that, too, it's that, you know, sometimes the entertainment business is the land of smoke and mirrors.

And it's also, that's also intimidating, too. I mean, we've seen that a lot, like on housewives where people, you know, appear to be something that they're not. It's just, it's a lot. So, you know, I'm, I just, I just keep my steady path. I'm like, I know my forever person is there. You're so authentic, but I think it's even not just entertainment. I think, like, we both have very big lives, right?

And there's a lot in it and a lot of people in it. And I think to your point, A, it can be intimidating, but B, a lot of these men need this, like, 24-7 kind of coddling and attention. and I find that that's hard. And when I began to feel that kind of pressure or neediness, it makes me go the opposite direction. It almost has the opposite effect of what they're saying to me is it gives me kind of that ick. And so I get it. It makes a lot of sense.

I mean, actually, you know, it's interesting because I'm actually the opposite. So with every single man that I've ever dated, I'm very like hands on, no pun intended. I'm very hands-on. No, I'm very, I'm very like in their lives, very, you know, I'm very like nurturing, very interested in what they're doing and how they're doing things. So I don't really have that kind of ick with men. I mean, I love. No, no, I don't get sick with men.

I don't like when early on they're demanding too much of me as I'm learning how to add another element to my life that's going to be as important. So it takes me a minute. to work all that in. So it's not that I'm not, you know, hands on and all of that stuff. It's more about the recalibration takes a second. And I find that the speed at which they operate is sometimes faster than at the pace I'm going.

I mean, that's honest. I actually, I'm the opposite. Maybe that's why you and I are both single. Maybe there's a happy medium between us, Kelly. Yes, but you've always given me such good advice. And, you know, it's interesting because, like, I'm just very, I think one of the things that I've just realized from this breakup is that, you know, I have a twin brother. And so I'm so used to being around male energy. And so everything that most women don't like, I'm just very, very used to. And so I think for a lot of men, my familiarity makes them a little almost, almost like nervous. I don't know. I really, I really don't know. I don't know. I'm just like open to, I'm just really excited. I'm really, Louise, I'm so excited about everything that's happening in my life. And I just feel so unbelievably grateful. I just like, I mean, I wish that he could go through this part of my life with me. Like, I mean, he would be a perfect partner. Unfortunately, we're not. But I'm just very excited about filming and going on the show. And, you know, I just sold the apartment that I'm living in. So I'm moving to Florida, literally packing up everything as we speak, and I'm moving to Florida. And I'm just going to start completely fresh for the first time. My dad just moved there,

and I want to go. I'm going to be in Palm Beach for two months. Come and visit me. I'm going to be there for two months filming. And I'm just very excited about it. I've never had this freedom in my life before. And I'm just feeling very empowered and also super nervous. I can see it in your smile. I'm going to just make two comments right now. Okay. I haven't seen you in a while. Best haircut ever, okay, that you have. Okay.

This is like this like dirty, hot, sexy kitty thing. It's so hot. And then your arms are like totally ripped. Did you change the workout? I mean, it's like shreds. Yes, I've been working out, thank you for very much. It's like one shoulder. I've been working out this new trainer and yeah, we've been doing a lot.

It's, yeah. Like, what is the change? Because I can, I actually can totally see it. Really? I love that. You look ripped. Oh, great. I love that. Thank you. Thank you for that. Well, at our age, we should only be doing heavy weight training. I've been working out a lot. I've just been trying to do things that, you know, make me better. And today I was at Food Bank, which I love to do. And I'm just, I'm just really, I'm just, I know this sounds really crazy.

Because people are like, shouldn't you be upset? I'm like, I mean, I still care a lot about him. But I'm really excited about what my future holds. Did your, and again, you don't have to. answer any of these questions. No, I'm happy to. Because you seemed really, I mean, last time we did this, you were actually, I think, not at your own house.

Did your kids, did your daughters meet him? Yes. My daughters met him. I met his kids. That's hard. It was a lot for me. It was a lot. It was very fast.

It was a lot. It was a lot of the very short period of time. And then I had a health issue. And it was just a lot. And it was the holidays. It was just like, it was just a big experience. explosion and I'm just a very like easy you know just do the work and get everything done and go

and have my fun and do whatever I'm doing. I'm just a very easygoing person but when shit hits the fan and I'm like okay where is it where's my support group? Right. Like loving life and I was like right right sounds like you've had a lot of changes but you look refreshed and ready to ready to hit the ground running so I'm happy I have I am I just am I don't know. I just feel really good about where I'm going. And I just feel I'm actually for the first time, I'm not intimidated to, I've been very like nervous to meet, you know, to go and date and meet people because I've just been through so much. I've just had so many like, it's like whiplashes. I'm like, here goes one. There's another. It's like just how long were you in that relationship?

Six months? Six months. Okay. And have you dated since? Can I not ask that question on? Yeah. I know. I've gone on a couple days. We got to bring our friend Brian's arrive. Let's bring the hot guy in. Let's get to Brian. Hi, Brian. Hi, Brian. Hello.

How are you? Fantastic. I'm Louise. We've never met before, although I did watch you a lot of times in the story house in the 90s. And you're still a total babe. Thank you. Thank you. Nice to meet you also.

Now I'm all self-conscious and insincorchest. care. Oh, my God. First of all, congratulations and welcome to the pod. We're so happy to have you here and super excited to hear your POV on like what it's like in that second chapter. Oh, my God. See, you say that now until all of a sudden, it's people are asking me questions. And then you guys are like, why is he on this? No, we need this information. This is helpful for all of us and the listeners. All right. Louise and I have a, like, a serious list of questions. So I know that you're going to be honest. And I just, I'm really interested to hear like what you have to say. Okay. We're going to get diving really deep. Yeah, let's do it. No, I'm really sad. Are you excited to get in the pod? Are you excited? I am excited. Yeah.

It's cool. You're going to love it. I mean, I always honestly, like, I am pretty much an open book. Like, when people are, wondering things, asking my advice for things, like, I'm pretty open and honest about it. So I, I'm an actor. There's a bit of narcissist, I think, in every actor. We all like to talk. Yeah, we all love to talk, especially about ourselves and our opinions. Yeah. Well, I'm not an actor. I'm a reality star, so I do like to talk. Well, yeah, so then that makes you an actress, if you're a reality star. I know how that works. So, so Brian, you know, you're already, uh, have found love in chapter two. Yes.

But in the interim of where you had gotten divorced and kind of started that whole process again. Yeah. Kind of what was your takeaway being out there again? And, you know, you obviously found love quickly. Maybe it's easier for a guy, Kelly. I don't know. It wasn't too quickly. So honestly, I hated being single and being out there.

I absolutely hated it. Like, I am not, I'm not someone that likes to go out and go on dates and get to know people and go through that because I think there's, I think there's a lot of pressure that comes with that. And people are sort of on their best behavior. So you don't really get a sense of who you are sitting with necessarily. You get, you get the person that they think you want to meet. They're acting. It's like an audition. Yeah, and I think I honestly believe that that is what the honeymoon phase is of a relationship,

that people kind of jump in and they've got this mask on and they're being who they think the other person wants to be with and they're trying to sort of check all the boxes, but that can only last for so long. Right. I was on a date last week and I was pretty clear about who I was. And I was like, you know, this is me. I'm 53 years old and I'm not going to try to pretend to be something that I'm not. And if I'm sitting here and telling you I'm a gourmet chef, which I'm not, and then all of a sudden, you know, date number four, you're like, come over and let's cook. And all of a sudden I'm like helpless in the kitchen.

Then it was a misrepresentation, number one. It was me not being authentic to myself. Right. And maybe that was something that was important to you. So then right out of the gate, it's been, you know, kind of a bait and switch. Right. So I think your point is really important. Yeah, I think, I mean, that it only,

you can only keep up that ruse for so long. And then eventually you are tired, you're stressed, you're having either some financial stuff or some family stuff. Who knows? The list of things. But then all of a sudden, the cracks in that mask start showing and people start arguing about it and feeling like, oh my God, this is not the person that I've known for the past six months of this

relationship or week of this relationship or a year and a half. And so I, you know, I think that relationships tend to start on, they start off on the wrong foot. I was about a year and a half out of my relationship, my marriage that I was in. And really, honestly working on myself. I got into a point in life where I was like, I don't want to repeat the same things that I've done before. I just got out of a 15-year relationship.

I have three kids. This situation is going to be incredibly hard for everyone. I don't want to do this again. I want to figure out what role I played in things that went wrong. I love that. So few people do that work and take the time to address some of that. You can't expect that you're going to find somebody and things are going to be different if you were a part of the relationship.

You were an equal part. So you played a part in what ultimately didn't work. And it's not until you recognize at least your half of it that you go, okay, I want to go into this next situation differently. Let's start with some questions, Brian, because we have so many. And thank you for being so transparent, open. I told you, I'm an oversharer. I've been, I've been, I've been called that before.

Keep over sharing. We love it. Okay, if a woman has never been married and is over 50, is that a red flag that men that are dating after, is that a red flag to men that are dating after, after their own divorce? Like, would you ever marry, would you ever go out with someone? Yeah, that wouldn't be a red flag for me. I would look at it as this is somebody either that has been driven in a bunch of other ways in their life. And so now they're in a place where they feel like they're ready to settle down and do that or this person just doesn't believe in it. And, you know,

marriage is not something that everybody believes in and agrees with. Like it is there are a lot of old beliefs in it. It's kind of an old system. The whole, you know, a wife taking the husband's name. And then the kid, there are a lot of things that people have an issue with now. And I understand that. And I don't, I think it depends on whether you are looking to get married or not. And then it's about whether the person that you're dating has the same

beliefs as you do or not. And if you can settle with those or if they're just deal breaker things, and it's like, I want to be married. Like, this is always been a dream for me. And for the man or vice versa, that never was a dream. At which point you have to decide how important is the marriage aspect of it compared to dating this person that I really like. Or the once held, beliefs could have changed and maybe you at one point didn't want to get married and all of a sudden this is the person and you're like, oh my God, I want to marry this person. You never know. You never know. I mean, it's, you go into, I think it's a mistake to go into anything thinking that you know what the final answer is going to be. I'm open to anything. I never say never because you do

and then all of a sudden you're in something. You go, oh my God, this is, I'm never in a million years thought that I would be doing this yet here I am. You know, what's interesting is when you were talking about the name change, I was supposed to get married to my ex-diancee in four days before I called off the wedding. So that's why I'm on the pod. And I remember being, I remember, you know, when we were doing the paperwork and we were writing my name, but it wasn't my name. It was his name.

Yeah. And I was like, oh my God, I don't think I can do this. I don't know if I can do this. And that was the beginning. That like was the thing that triggered me. Was that, see, now I'm going to interview you guys. All right, yeah. Was that, do you feel like that was a real issue?

Or was that sort of the straw that broke the camel's back? So it was a relationship that you already had all of these like questions about. And then as soon as you saw that, you were like... That's what I'm wondering, if it was literally just lit the match that burn the house down. This is the thing where as I saw my name changed that way, like, it really solidified that this is not a relationship that I want to be in. I mean, when I saw that, I was just like, I don't know who that person is. That's not me. Were you having questions before them, though?

Yes, yeah. But that really, like, to Louise's point, I lit the match. And then later on, things were, you know, went downhill. But that was really- Understandable. I mean, if you're looking, if you're already in that mode of questioning, and marriage is a big, big deal. I mean, it was to me.

I, to me, it was something that you do one time. Brian, when you're a kid, you sit there in math class. And you write, you know, like Kelly and Brian Green, Kelly Green, you know, all these things. I never wrote that. You never wrote that? So marriage has never been a thing for you. Well, I have been married before.

I have two kids. Okay. But for him, I just didn't write that. I mean, there's been other men that I've, that I've dated, that I was like, that's a cute name. Like, but I mean, that those relationships in the last either. But, I mean, it has, it's interesting. In the middle of the night, Saskia awoke in a haze. Her husband, Mike, was on his laptop.

What was on his screen would change Saskia's life forever. I said, I need you to tell me exactly what you're doing. And immediately, the mask came off. You're supposed to be safe. That's your home. That's your husband. To keep this secret for so many years, he's like a seasoned point. This is a story about the end of a marriage, but it's also the story of one woman who was done living in the dark.

You're a dangerous person who prays on vulnerable and trusting people. You're a predator of Michael Levin Good. Listen to Betrayal Season 5 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to the A building. I'm Hans Charles. I'm Inalek Lamumba. It's 1969. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

had both been assassinated, and Black America was out of breaking point. Writing and protests broke out on an unprecedented scale. In Atlanta, Georgia, at Martin's Almemata, Morehouse College, the students had their own protest. It featured two prominent figures in black history, Martin Luther King's senior and a young student, Samuel L. Jackson. To be in what we really thought was a revolution.

I mean, people were dying. the murder of Dr. King, which traumatized everyone. The FBI had a role in the murder of a Black Panther leader in Chicago. This story is about protest. It echoes in today's world far more than it should, and it will blow your mind. Listen to the A-building on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you do in the headlines don't explain what's happening inside of you? I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me, is where culture meets the soul, a place for real

conversation. Each episode, I sit down with people from all walks of life, celebrities, thinkers, and everyday folks, and we go deeper than the polished story. We talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope. We get honest about the big stuff, identity when you don't recognize yourself anymore, loss that changes you, purpose when success isn't enough, peace when your mind. won't slow down, fake when it's complicated. Some guests have answers.

Most are still figuring it out. If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the I-HeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. China's Ministry of State Security is one of the most mysterious and powerful spy agencies in the world. But in 2017, the FBI got inside. This is Special Agent Regal, Special Agent Bradley Hall. This MSS officer has no idea the U.S. government is on to him. But the FBI has his chats, texts, emails, even his personal diary.

Hear how they got it on the Sixth Bureau podcast. I now have several terabytes of an MSS officer, no doubt, no question, of his life. And that's the unicorn. No one had ever seen anything like that. It was unbelievable. This is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one man's ambition and mistakes opened its fault of secrets. Listen to the Sixth Bureau on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. So what would be the reason or some of the kind of, I guess, feelings that would make you want to pursue somebody? more seriously versus more casually or situationship? Like what would be the, as a man, like for you, Brian? Yeah. So for me, I, when I got to the point when I was single and I really felt like, okay, I'm ready to meet somebody, it was very obvious to me when I met people,

whether we were truly on the same path, and we had the same moral values that we were sort of following in life. And then there are the people where you meet and there are a really good time and you go, God, I have a really great time when I'm around him, but that's just what it is. It's a great time.

And sexually, it's super fun. And that all clicks. But as far, as really being committed to somebody and wanting to be around somebody all the time and share my life with someone, it's got to be someone that is on the same path in life with me at that point. I don't necessarily believe that people stay on the same path. I feel that people grow apart naturally. And then sometimes people grow in the same direction. And I think that's why these relationships last an incredibly long time. And you go, oh, my God, how'd you guys do it? It's like,

because even though we hated each other at different times, we always loved each other and we were always moving in the same direction. What about a body count? So are you, do you get offended if you hear that a woman has, you know, slept with X amount of men? Does she really talk about it? Like, who, do we ask these questions? A lot of women do. It's like coat of armor. I ask just, honestly for the simple fact of is someone going to be honest with me and be uncomfortable in front of me because I'm willing to be uncomfortable in front of people like I'm willing to sort of bleed for people and go hey are you going to bleed with me because that is telling of what this relationship is if you're not again it's fine I just need to keep I have to be very clear of what it is I am getting

out of this relationship with someone. I'm the same way with friends. You know, like I'm very clear on who my real close friends are and then who my acquaintances are that are super fun. I just don't, my expectations aren't more than that. I don't give as much because I don't expect as much in return. But then the relationships that I have that are really valuable relationships, I give and I give and I give because I know they're going to be the same way.

Yeah, and I think as we get older, we really learn who's going to be in our, you know, table of five. For sure. What table of five that we're sitting at. And as stuff happens in life, good and bad, you learn a lot about the people that have been in different chapters. And I'm an interesting time in my life where I'm really learning who my friends are and who I'm aligning with.

And it's just, it's just interesting to see and watch. Yeah. It can be painful at times, too. lot of changes. Oh, it absolutely can. But that's the pain is, that's the growth. I mean, that's, you, you don't grow from things that work. You grow from things don't. Where you have to have grit. I, you go back to the drawing board on things that don't work and you go, God, why isn't this working? Like, I need to approach this in a different way. If it's working, the old saying is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Don't fix it. But if you want change,

be change. If you want change. want a different result, do something different. Right. What about your icks, Brian? Do you have any X? That's a great question. Yeah, that is a great question. Lying is a big ick, man. If I catch you in some way where you're being dishonest, like, it's what, I have no problem with someone not wanting to share everything. And if you're honest with me and you say, I don't really want, I don't really want to get into that. Cool. If you give me some bullshit, like, side answer and lie to me about what it is, and then I find

out later, oh, my God, it was a completely different story than what it is you told me. Then I start questioning, like, oh, okay, how much have you lied to me about? How it's very simple to me. That's honestly one of the main X for me. Like I just, I think because I'm honest with people, I, it's not that I demand honesty. I feel like I command it. Like I try and keep those relationships clear and clean with people. And I'm open and honest.

So if you're not, it really says something about you because you know I'm being honest. Like you know, I'll get down in the dirt with stuff. and all, you know, I'll talk about, uh, I'll talk about sexual counts and all, all the stuff, you know, all the stuff that could make somebody look at me and go, mm, that's a little too much for me. But I'm willing to get into it. I just was listening to what you were saying. And it's, and I, and, you know, we're asking these questions that are just like, okay, you know, do you like this? Do you don't like this? Right. But what you're saying is that, you know, there could be like, let's say a girl spend with 50 guys. You're saying, you know, as long as you're, you know, as long as, you know,

you're honest with me and we're having these conversation and we're talking about these things in a way, I mean, 50 is a lot, but we're done. I don't know where that number came from. It depends, though, again, on, okay, let's say 50 was your number, but you were like, I have always been in a place where I haven't really wanted to be in a relationship. I haven't felt like I've been very career driven. I've been, and so 50 is your count, but it's, it's an honest 50. It's not like you have been through 50 relationships and you're sort of in them and you throw them away.

And you, so you seem very wishy-washy. And it's like, oh my God, do you ever commit to things? If you tell me from the beginning, I've been non-committal up until the point where I decided I want to be committal,

that's a different, it's a different thing. You know, it's like somebody that has an incredible shoe collection, but they've gone through a shunzel. 10 of shoes to have that collection. And you know, it's, I don't, I don't, I don't fault somebody for that necessarily. That's just me, but I don't, I don't fault somebody.

No judgment. It's part of their life, you know, kind of experiences. Right. But on the, you know, kind of a note of, I guess, relationships, not relationship. when a guy says they're not ready for a relationship, what does that really mean? I could mean all sorts of things. Like just not with you.

It could be, it could mean just like. Yeah, it could. Yes. But again, then we start crossing into that honesty thing. And I think you start seeing flags before that question is asked. I think if you're asking that question, to get a gauge on the person you're with, then it's already been a very weird situation.

Like, I don't think you're asking that question because you're in a great relationship with somebody. Right. Or it's clear. You only fish, I think. If you're feeling like, God, I need some sort of like validation in this. Do you think you have to have a, do you feel like organically, it just kind of,

morphs into, oh, it's just me and you, and you don't even really have to have the conversation. Yes, I do. I agree. Like, I feel like authentically, it's kind of, I don't want to see anyone else. We don't even have to have the conversation. It just, it happens. So that question I asked you is almost a version of what you're saying, which is there's some sort of a kind of subliminal message or something, which is you're not all in, one foot in, one foot out.

You're not all in. and the person that you're with can feel that. Yes. And they feel insecure, which I think then is why they start getting into the questions of, hey, so, you know, is this something that you want to continue to pursue? And then it's like, yeah, I'm not really looking for a, you know, steady thing. And it's, and unfortunately, you are digging into something that you already had a gut feeling. Isn't careful what you ask for.

Isn't there. Right. And your intuition. You always, your intuition always knows. Don't put like, you know, don't put specific rules on something if you're going to end up getting a rule and a feedback that you don't want to hear. Yep. Like, and you shouldn't have to. Like I, when I'm in a great relationship, like the one I'm in now, we literally, it was like, oh, there's no, there's no need to discuss this any further.

Like we're in this. We love being in this. This is fantastic. Let's see how long this goes and where it goes. and I love sharing this with you. I love this. This is a really good follow-up question. What's the one thing you see or hear women tolerating today when it comes to dating?

Do you think that they need to stop accepting? I think women do tolerate a lot. Yeah. I think women need to stop giving up their power in, relationships. Like I think sometimes, and not just women, I honestly people, I think people, they're lonely and they get to a point where they're willing to settle a little bit. They'll take good enough. Yeah. And you can't, if you want something great, you can't settle. And it's hard because at certain points you get really lonely and you go, God, I really wish I had this.

but I genuinely feel like you have to know that the universe has a different plan for you. So you need to continue to do what it is you're doing. And when it's the right time, it'll fall in your lap. I never in a million years thought that I was going to meet Charna. How did you guys meet? So it was during COVID. We have a business manager in common. and she is not a matchmaker at all.

And she text me after she left my house. I made coffee and we were hanging out. We were talking about finances and the stuff you talk about with the business manager. And she said to me, she texted me and she was like, hey, I've got a client that I want you to meet. Love it. I was intrigued right away because that is just, again, that's not her thing. But it's also like a validation stamp of approval. It's from someone that you trust and that you, I mean, you trust her with your finances.

Someone I trust with my finances, not someone I trust in love. She's never, ever been a matchmaker. Right. But I'd been with her for years. I was with her when I was married. And so, and she, she has handled my ex-wife's finances also. So she's been around for a while. I know, I've known her for a while.

And she also knows you and knows you're a good guy and responsible. She also knows Sharner really well. Right. That's a good story. I always think divorce attorneys should have a side hustle of being a matchmaker. It's a really good idea. Yes. That is a great idea.

Right? Think about it. Because they know you so well. And they know the other person so well. And they know who is the, I hate to say it, but the more problematic one in the divorce or in the whole process. He said to each of us. She was like when I'm with him, I think of you. And when I'm with you, I think of him.

Love it. So we each reminded her of the other ones. So we met and it was a date, but not really a date, but it was coffee. And we ended up talking for like six hours at this coffee shop. It was just as things were starting to open up. And I had to be at work. And I was like, I was supposed to be on the road. And I was like, oh, my God, I've got, I have a Zoom call I'm supposed to be on.

And she was like, oh, my God, I was supposed to be somewhere. And so we left. And we were like, we should do this again. This is amazing. And we went and had breakfast two mornings after that. And it was the same thing. We ended up sitting down and talking for like four and a half, five hours. And that was the point where restaurants were, they had the heart out rule, remember?

because they were so limited space. So they were like, okay, we'll give you a half an hour. And then we've got to like turn the table over and get other people. You're like, no, no, no, no. We're going to be here for a while. We ended up closing that place down also. Like we were in until they were shutting their doors. Hopefully your business manager is still your business manager and that you both gave her a raise because she gave you the greatest gift in life.

We didn't give her a raise, but a bonus when you get married. No, I'm kidding. We. No raise, no raise. We've invited her to baby shower to everything. Like, we've, she's a part of the family for sure. Amazing. In the middle of the night, Saskia awoke in a haze.

Her husband, Mike, was on his laptop. What was on his screen would change Saskia's life forever. I said, I need you to tell me exactly what you're doing. And immediately. the mask came off. You're supposed to be safe. That's your home. That's your husband.

So keep this secret for so many years. He's like a seasoned pro. This is a story about the end of a marriage. But it's also the story of one woman who was done living in the dark. You're a dangerous person who prays on vulnerable and trusting people. your creditor might go up and good Listen to Betrayal Season 5 On the IHeart Radio app

Apple Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Welcome to the A building I'm Hans Charles I'm inalick Lamoma It's 1969 Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. have both been assassinated

And Black America was out of breaking point Writing and protests broke out on an unprecedented scale In Atlanta, Georgia At Martin's Almermata, Morehouse College The students had their own protest. It featured two prominent figures in black history, Martin Luther King Sr. and a young student, Samuel L. Jackson.

To be in what we really thought was a revolution. I mean, people would die. In 1968, the murder of Dr. King, which traumatized everyone. The FBI had a role in the murder of a Black Panther leader in Chicago. This story is about protest. It echoes in today's world. far more than it should, and it will blow your mind. Listen to the A-building on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

What do you do in the headlines don't explain what's happening inside of you? I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me, is where culture meets the soul, a place for real conversation. Each episode, I sit down with people from all walks of life, celebrities, thinkers, and everyday folks, And we go deeper than the polished story. We talk about what drives us, what shapes us, and what gives us hope. We get honest about the big stuff, identity when you don't recognize yourself anymore, loss that changes you, purpose when success isn't enough, peace when your mind won't slow down, fake when it's complicated. Some guests have answers. Most are still figuring it out.

If you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. China's Ministry of State Security is one of the most mysterious and powerful spy agencies in the world. But in 2017, the FBI got inside. This is Special Agent Regal, Special Agent Bradley Hall. This MSS officer has no idea the U.S. government is on to him. But the FBI has his chats, texts, e-mail. even his personal diary.

Hear how they got it on the Sixth Bureau podcast. I now have several terabytes of an MSS officer, no doubt, no question, of his life. And that's the unicorn. No one had ever seen anything like that. It was unbelievable. This is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one man's ambition and mistakes

opened its fault of secrets. Listen to the Sixth Bureau on the Eyeheart, Art Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So let's talk about sex. So you go out with somebody, it's a great date. There's two scenarios. A, she throws the cat out right away. You guys have great sex.

Was it too soon? Or was it okay because you were so into it? Or is it better if there's more of a kind of sapiens sexual, gradual process? where you're getting to know each other, you're, it's growing, you haven't yet crossed that line. Where do you sit on that?

Honestly, I've had both. I've had, like my ex-wife, we, we had sexed, I think, the first night that we hung out. And we ended up, we were together for 15 years. And then Sharna and I, we didn't even get physical

until the fifth time that we hung out. And at that point, we literally just kissed. made out in the car and then she went back inside. They both ways led to amazing things. I think the sex, I think it's about how the sex came to be. Like I think there's, I think there's different processes in a date. So I think sometimes you can have a date where you really feel connected and you have this

amazing conversation. And so then the sex is kind of the last thing on your mind. And then you get to the end of the night and you're like, oh my God, we like we didn't, we barely touched each other. It was such an amazing conversation. And then you have the conversations with people where it's just like, oh my God, I'm completely just sexually attracted to you. And all of our conversations are honestly leading in that direction. So let's do this. And then you have great conversation afterwards. I'm open to both. Situation by situation, basically. Yeah, I don't think there are rules to it.

I think people make a mistake if they try and follow specific rules of like, oh, don't call right away or, you know, give it three days or like there are all these different variations. And I think, honestly, I think they're all games. So it's like organically letting. Yeah, I think you're just sort of in. And what happens happens. And I think if you are, if you're honest and you're clear from the get-go, I think it sort of unfolds in the way that makes sense. You know, when I was single before Sharon and I started dating,

there were situations where we had sex early and it was great and it was fun, but we just didn't have much of a connection beyond that. So we did that a couple times. And then it was like, okay, cool. It's, you know, it was a fun activity. But I was at a point where I was looking for more. So as we're all older now, right? And, you know, we're saying, okay, let's let all those kind of traditional quote,

you know, antiquated rules go out the window, right? Like we're all parents. We've had experiences, like all these different things. So you go on a date with the girl. How do you feel, here's a couple of questions with basically the same kind of broad stroke. How do you feel about, you know, the next day the girl's texting you? how do you feel like in terms of you not doing kind of the first outreach post date and she's taking the bull by the horns? Is that hot?

Is it confident? Is it? That literally means nothing to me because if it did, again, I feel like that is I am in some sort of a game and there's there's thought into things outside of just speaking to and spending time with the person. that I met that I really get along with and I'm looking forward to talking to. And it shows that they're thinking about you, right? Yeah, why, like, why waste all of this time on, like, the rules and who's supposed to be what and who, if I, I'm 52, if I enjoy a conversation with you, let's have another conversation as soon as possible.

Like, why are we waiting? Yeah, what are we, what are we, like kidding ourselves for? You know? I went out with somebody last week and I was telling the story about this. I put cayenne pepper in my coffee and he was like, what? I go, yeah. So like, wait, you like willingly? You know.

Yeah. Yeah. Oh, my whole coffee creation is like bananas. Anyway. So your coffee game is elevated. Got it. Well, I wouldn't say it's elevated. I would say it's odd.

Well, they're doing cayenne, which nobody is, I've never heard of that before. Me neither. Never. It's true. Try it tomorrow. It's either elevated or you're an. alcoholic and there's something else we should be talking about because the cayon pepper is still for something. And the cinnamon sugar. Anyway, so I took a picture of it. Okay. And I sent him the picture

of it with the coffee. And he wrote back saying, oh my God, you made my day that you reached out to me. This is making me. And it was like so warm and receptive and, you know, it just felt, it felt good. That's, yeah. I mean, what are you looking for? Are you looking for a real relationship? with someone where... And ease. Feel that and the person that you are dating feels that as well. If you do, if that's what you're looking for, do that.

It doesn't have to be that complicated. Do it. Enjoy speaking to each other. Enjoy sharing silly stories and pictures and thinking about you just wanted to let you know. Like, you know, be secure in that. and hope that the person that you're interested in is secure in the same way because you're setting yourself up for the kind of relationship that you want. And if they experience that as I don't like that.

I feel attacked. I feel like that, you know, that's just way too committal for me right now. And they've got all these walls up and these guards up. Then you know and you get the fuck out now. Stop wasting time. Right. Like do it. And if it literally lasts for a day, it's one, you know, it's a day out of a fucking lifetime.

Move on. Go meet some other people. Compared to somebody that like kind of leads you on a little bit with it, but it's not really something that they're into. And then it's overwhelming. And then all of a sudden you're going, oh, my God, what have I done? I've been this way since the beginning. But they sort of lied to me and they led me on to, they led me to, they led me to,

believe that they liked this, but they didn't really, like, I don't have time. Right. Brian, let me ask you a question. What do you? I love that. I think that's just really smart too. And it's just like a lot of people are just like, well, they have these expectations of things are going to change or evolve.

I mean, people tell you exactly who they are. They tell you. So if you're not listening, that's your problem. Yeah. Why do men ghost? I think men ghost because. they're not honest about how they feel from the get-go. So they feel like I don't want to be confrontational or say no to somebody. So I'm just going to disappear. It's just easier because then I don't know.

It's just so rude. But then I don't have to deal with the repercussions of this person that I let on for this way or that way, you know, and not being honest about it. Like, I don't have to answer to anything. I can literally just disappear and she can think whatever she thinks until she forgets about me. Who cares? So now I have another question about the process of breaking up for men. So do you know a lot of men who've been through therapy after divorce or how do you and your friends, like, process that time and those emotions? So me and my friends, we are very honest with each other. I have a great group of guys around me. We are very complimentary of each other. We support each other.

We're constantly giving each other a pat on the back when you're a great dad, when you're doing those things, because those are the kind of people that I want around me. I think it's very telling the people that are around someone that you meet because their friends are that, that gives you a very clear picture of where they are in life. And when you, again, when you meet someone and they show you who they are, believe them. I love that line. And a lot of times they show you who they are by the people that they're surrounded. You are who you surround yourself with.

I feel like I'm in a place where I want the people around me that are on the same path as me. They want to take that road less travel. They want to be authentic. They want to live in the moment. They want to be real. They don't feel insecure about things. And if they do, they share them. You know, I don't want to be with a group of people that are just fun to hang out with,

but I don't actually grow with because what's the fucking I want to grow? I don't ever want to be in a place where. I am just settling for life. I don't. And I know that as much as I've learned and grown, I plan on doing that for the rest of my life. And I love any information that I get from somebody that makes me go, hmm, holy shit.

I never even thought of that. That's amazing. I have one last question before we have to wrap up. Have you been on dates where women just have had too much therapy? and they're just like with that therapy speak, have you been on those? And what are your thoughts? Yeah, I think.

So my bullshit meter is really sensitive when it comes to people that talk the talk instead of walking the walk. Yeah. I think, you know, I think all of the self-help books and the stuff, people can stay the right words. I, but I can feel when they are actually walking the walk,

when they are reading those things, and they're going, okay, got it. I'm going to try that stuff. Walking the walk is not, it's not an easy thing to do. I always tell people, you know, it's so easy for people to preach about meditating and the things. It's really fucking hard to do. Monks don't live on a mountain because it's fun.

They live on the top of a mountain by themselves because that's what they have to do to stay focused on who they want to be. So, you know, like, you have to, you have to be honest about it. You know, I'm honest with people about the fact that meditating, like, the way you, you normally hear about meditating, like sitting in a room quietly and, you know, and doing an um and some sort of thing and, and sit, like, that is not, I suck at that. That is not something that I do.

meditation for me is working outside on something DIY like projects i when i'm by myself doing these things i start getting into my head and and and you know hearing conversations that i had with people and reflecting on what i liked about what i did and what i didn't like about what i did like i try and be really conscious in moments. And there are always times where you get to the end of a day and you go, God, I did not handle that the way I wanted to. So I try and live as consciously as possible. I love that. With that, Brian, thank you so much for today. I love your authenticity. You're going to go, yeah, you're going to go like organize your closet or something. I'm like, oh, and then I'm like, oh, yeah. A, whatever, whatever.

it is that gets you out of like the grind of stuff and activity with other people and gets you into an activity just with yourself where you can sit and really kind of unwind and focus and breathe a little bit, you can do that, man. Whatever it is, if it's doing dishes or doing laundry or cleaning or gardening or washing the car, whatever it is, do it. I love that. I love that. Yes. Thank you so much, Brian. We love having you on the pod. I'm so excited. I can't wait to pod with you so many more times. I need to hear everything that's in that brain of yours. Oh, my God. Thank you so much for the hot takes. It's falling out constantly. We're so excited for you to be on iTunes, part two. Do you have any questions you want to get on Brian's perspective on when it comes to love dating, sex, divorce? All of it. Email us or call us. All of the info are in. the show notes. Follow us on socials. Make sure to rate and review the podcast. I do part two,

an IHeartRadio podcast, or falling in love is the main objective. In the middle of the night, Saskia awoke in a haze. Her husband, Mike, was on his laptop. What was on his screen would change Saskia's life forever. I said, I need you to tell me exactly what you're doing. And immediately, the mask came off. You're supposed to be safe. That's your home. That's your husband. Listen to Betrayal Season 5 on the IHeart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Over the last couple years, didn't we learn that the folding chair was invented by black people because of what happened in Alabama? This Black History Month, the podcast, Selective Ignorance with Mandy B, unpacked black history and culture with comedy, clarity, and conversations

that shake the status quo. The Crown Act in New York was signed in July, Live 2019, and that is a bill that was passed to prohibit discrimination based on hair styles associated with race. To hear this and more, listen to Selective Ignorance with Mandy B from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. You can scroll the headlines all day and still feel empty.

I'm Ben Higgins, and if you can hear me, is where culture meets the soul. Honest conversations about identity, loss, purpose, peace, faith, and everything in Between celebrities, thinkers, everyday people, some have answers. Most are still figuring it out. And if you've ever felt like there has to be more to the story, this show is for you. Listen to if you can hear me on my IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I'm Bowen-Yang. And I'm Matt Rogers.

During this season of the Two Guys Five Rings podcast, in the lead-up to the Milan Cortina-2026 winner Olympic Games, we've been joined by some of our friends. Hi, Boen, hi, Matt. Hey, Elmo. Hey, Matt, hey, Bowen. Hi, Cookie. Hi. Now, the Winter Olympic Games are underway, and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears.

Listen to two guys, five rings on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.