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Todays The Day
How One Moment Saved My Life – Kaleb Bench’s Journey (PART ONE)
Season 1, Ep. 111
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From hitting rock bottom to guarding one of the most mysterious places on Earth, Kaleb Bench’s story is a powerful tale of redemption, faith, and transformation. In this episode of Today’s the Day, Zach Anderson sits down with Kaleb to explore his gripping journey—from a rough childhood in Idaho and service in the Marines, to deep spiritual awakenings and becoming head of security at Skinwalker Ranch.
Kaleb opens up about overcoming depression, reconnecting with faith in a profound way, and the small decisions that led to extraordinary change. This is more than just a story—it’s a roadmap for anyone navigating hardship or searching for purpose.
Key Takeaways:
• Kaleb’s deeply personal story of loss, mental health struggles, and spiritual awakening.
• His experience at Skinwalker Ranch and what it’s really like behind the scenes.
• Powerful advice for anyone battling depression or seeking direction.
• The pivotal moments that transformed Kaleb’s life and why today truly is the day to start changing yours.
Chapters:
00:00 – 00:45 | Welcome to Today’s the Day
• Zach introduces Kaleb Bench and previews the deep dive ahead
• Setting the tone for a candid and inspirational conversation
00:45 – 02:30 | From Fiji to Utah: How They Met
• The backstory of how Zach and Kaleb connected
• Life Mastery events and shared interests sparked a powerful conversation
02:30 – 05:15 | Kaleb’s Intriguing Background
• Military, law enforcement, and guarding Skinwalker Ranch
• A glimpse into Kaleb’s multifaceted life experiences
05:15 – 10:15 | Growing Up in Idaho & Family Struggles
• Childhood in a small farming town
• Family tensions, divorce, and early independence
10:15 – 15:00 | Facing Darkness: Depression & Loss
• Losing his father and battling suicidal thoughts
• How one powerful Marine Corps speech shifted his mindset
15:00 – 21:00 | A Life-Changing Temple Experience
• An unforgettable moment of spiritual validation
• The encounter that changed Kaleb’s view of faith forever
21:00 – 26:00 | Divine Coincidences & Purpose Unfolding
• Emotional confirmations and unexpected spiritual alignments
• Why Kaleb believes there are no coincidences
26:00 – 31:00 | Advice for Those Battling Depression
• Kaleb’s message to anyone struggling with mental health
• Practical and spiritual tools to find light in darkness
31:00 – 36:00 | Mindset, Movement & Self-Compassion
• Why physiology affects psychology
• Breaking free from self-criticism and toxic isolation
36:00 – 41:00 | Rites of Passage & Becoming a Man
• Reflections on personal transformation
• Jordan Peterson-inspired insights on modern manhood
41:00 – 45:00 | From the Marines to Marriage & Mentorship
• Reconnecting with his now-wife and finding spiritual mentors
• Early exposure to self-development tools
45:00 – 50:00 | Taking Risks & Finding Opportunity
• How inflatable zorbs launched a $15k summer business
• The power of action and seizing ideas
50:00 – 53:00 | The Road to Skinwalker Ranch
• How Kaleb’s hustle caught the attention of the ranch manager
• His unique journey from side hustles to security at Skinwalker
53:00 – End | First Day on the Ranch: Halloween Night
• Kaleb’s unforgettable start at one of the world’s strangest hotspots
• A full-circle moment that cemented his new path
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