Better Call Daddy

"Nobody was meant to be famous."

"Generosity is a thing that everybody can share in."

Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Ben Higgins, former Bachelor star and co-founder of Generous Coffee, to discuss the power of influence, community, and giving back.

Ben shares the journey of opening a new brick-and-mortar space for Generous Coffee in his hometown of Warsaw, Indiana, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of creating a business that donates 100% of its profits to nonprofits. The conversation delves into the values of generosity, sustainability, and community involvement, as Ben explains how Generous Coffee aims to bring people together from all walks of life to foster understanding and support for various causes. Ben reflects on his reality TV experience and how it shaped his perspective on fame, identity, and purpose.

He candidly discusses the importance of setting boundaries, staying true to oneself, and using one's platform for meaningful impact. The episode also touches on Ben's personal journey of self-discovery, his faith, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Reena and Ben explore the concept of legacy, the role of faith in driving one's mission, and the significance of living a life that prioritizes others.

Ben shares heartwarming stories of the impact Generous Coffee has had on communities, from providing clean water in Honduras to supporting local nonprofits in Warsaw.

Join Reena and Ben for a thought-provoking discussion on creating a legacy, the importance of community, and the transformative power of generosity. This episode is a testament to the impact of using one's influence for good and the enduring strength of community-driven initiatives.

Ben Higgins, a veteran of ABC’s hit series The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, won over the hearts of loyal viewers with his refreshing vulnerability and willingness to share himself fully. Following his appearances across franchises, Higgins has embarked on numerous ventures, entrepreneurial and otherwise, grounded in faith, a sense of hope for humanity, and a mission to help organizations connect more deeply with their employees and customers.

Higgins co-founded Generous International in 2017, a for-purpose company dedicated to raising money to create jobs, feed children, improve education, and empower communities to eliminate poverty around the world. He additionally founded the podcast, Hope Still Wins, where he sits down with influential thought-leaders to discuss topics ranging from faith and music to mental health and racial injustice. Each guest shares personal stories that have shaped their current view on hope, and are meant to serve, inspire, and connect us — challenging and helping us all to become a better world, together.

Outside of his socially conscious work, he maintains a relationship with his loyal Bachelor fanbase through the iHeartMedia podcast Almost Famous, which he hosts alongside fellow former contestant Ashley Iaconetti. To date, they’ve accumulated over 80 million downloads.

In 2021, Higgins became an author with his first book Alone In Plain Sight, which focuses on reconnecting with yourself, others, and God.

Ben currently resides in Denver, CO, with his wife and best friend, Jess. Whether it’s showing up well in his marriage, making business decisions, doing a keynote speech, writing a book, or hosting a show, Ben aims to bring light, energy, and an intentional message of connection and hope.

(00:00) Reena Friedman Watts welcomes Wayne Friedman to the Better Call Daddy show
(02:14) Generous opened in Warsaw, Indiana, three days ago
(04:15) Generous was founded with the idea that this platform could build a business
(05:36) Generous lets nonprofits create their own coffee bags
(08:18) You have to get really good at saying no, even when it's hard
(09:36) Generous Coffee has a mission of bringing people together to have conversations
(12:26) Generous has pledged to donate even from lack of profits
(16:44) I want to know the stories that you shared to get to Bachelor
(20:14) For the first time in my life in 27 years, I don't have a stomachache
(22:28) Do you still feel like the Bachelor is part of your identity
(24:12) Did sharing your story hurt your confidence? Sure it does
(24:58) Ben writes about feeling like an outsider in her book Alone in Plain Sight
(29:26) The week before the episode aired, you were anxious about how it would go over
(30:06) Do you wish you could have eliminated people quicker on The Bachelor
(31:24) Would you want a reality TV show with your wife or with your future children
(34:35) I'm curious if ...

Abigail opens up about her experiences with chronic illness, homeschooling, and the challenges of growing up in a chaotic environment.

She shares how these experiences have shaped her perspective and driven her to create a platform where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Abigail talks about her initial goals for her podcast, how they have evolved, and the importance of having guests from diverse backgrounds. She also delves into her personal struggles, including dealing with suicidal thoughts and the impact of her upbringing on her mental health. Through it all, Abigail emphasizes the significance of connecting with others and building a supportive community.

This heartfelt episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of sharing our stories. Tune in to hear Abigail's inspiring journey and the wisdom she has gained along the way.

(00:00) Reena Friedman Watts hosts the Better Call daddy podcast with Wayne Friedman
(02:10) You started your podcast with no expectation of what it would be like
(04:13) You said you had a couple of goals when you started blogging
(04:31) Another thing that I kind of wanted to touch on, and I have somewhat,
(06:02) You grew up in a Christian home and became a Christian very young
(08:20) When did you start questioning your purpose in life
(13:10) Abigail grew up in a christian home with four siblings
(18:21) Growing up with siblings, situations can be interpreted in different ways
(20:23) I am really curious about being homeschooled
(27:51) I enjoy organizing and being able to start things. I think homeschooling helped me get organized
(30:51) Your podcast process has changed over the last year
(35:08) You talk about leaving a legacy no matter what you're doing
(39:53) The spoon theory describes what it's like to be chronically ill
(41:58) I use apple cider vinegar with mother in it for my hair care
(45:31) Abigail's podcast went public last week
(48:55) Abigail says one can have a legacy just by communicating with others

Connect with Abigail Gagnon:
- Instagram: beyoutiful_legacy
- Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts:
- Website: bettercalldaddy.com
- LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts
- Twitter: @reenareena
- Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts
- Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast
We love hearing your feedback. Leave us a review, share your thoughts, and spread the word about this enriching episode. Share it with someone who appreciates the importance of legacy and the power of community.
Show notes created by https://headliner.app

"You can go against the most powerful people in the world, just stand 10 toes down and fight."

"I forgive him and I am willing to give all the grace in the world to him."

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

In episode 400 of the Better Call Daddy Reena Friedman Watts sits down with Lunden Roberts whose journey through love, motherhood, and resilience is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

She opens up about her deeply personal memoir, written as a gift for her daughter, Navy, to understand the complexities of her relationship with Hunter Biden.

The conversation delves into the emotional depths of her experiences, from falling in love to facing the challenges of raising her daughter amidst public scrutiny. She candidly discusses the raw emotions captured in her book, including her struggles with mental health and the profound impact of her father, a prominent figure in the hunting industry, on her life.

Her father's influence taught her empathy and integrity, values she hopes to pass on to her daughter. The episode also explores her vibrant past, from a small-town upbringing to the culture shock of moving to Washington D.C., and how these experiences shaped her perspective on life. As a mother, she shares her unwavering commitment to her daughter's well-being, navigating the complexities of co-parenting with someone in the public eye.

Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful for a future where her daughter can forge a meaningful relationship with her father. Her story is a testament to the power of forgiveness, faith, and the enduring strength of a mother's love.

Join Reena and Lunden Roberts for an intimate and thought-provoking discussion on resilience, family, and the pursuit of truth. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing one's story and the impact it can have on future generations.

Lunden Roberts is a mother, author, and financial officer from Batesville, AR. Her all-star basketball career culminated at Arkansas State University, where she was a McDonalds All-American Nominee shooting guard and studied criminal justice and psychology. Roberts went on to Washington, D.C. for the most prestigious CSI training in the country, where she met and began a relationship with Hunter Biden. She served as Biden’s executive assistant at Rosemont Seneca and other business entities, and now serves as the financial controller for her family-owned business, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks. She is the mother of Navy, President Biden’s seventh grandchild, she is in the process of launching a new fashion line, and serves as an advocate for women in unplanned pregnancies.

(00:00) You've done some big interviews. It's been nerve wracking
(00:40) Do you feel like you were harsh enough in Hunter Biden book
(03:14) You say in the book that you. You are your father's daughter
(07:20) The reward of being a mother is greater than any of the luxuries
(10:20) Do you think that's though, like, your claim to fame now
(14:49) Both of my phones mysteriously crashed when I found out I was pregnant
(17:23) Lunden says her parents have reservations about reading the book
(23:29) That is a tremendous battle to fight. It's incredible. I wouldn't even know who would know how to navigate that
(28:42) Lunden says he hasn't reached out to his daughter since the book
(32:49) Most of those peers I would never have wanted to do around children
(33:12) It was hard to write about Hunter's addiction
(36:58) Lunden says her daughter saw Donald Trump on TV months ago
(45:23) The only thing I wanted from the paternity suit was accountability
(52:31) How many times did you have to edit this book?
(57:59) Dad almost stepped on baby cotton mouths or copperheads one time
(58:43) What was it like moving back home and kind of like needing your parents again
(59:34) There's nothing greater than having a child and watching your parents be grandparents
(01:00:32) Do you hope that your daughter's relationship with Hunter will flourish
(01:05:12) I let Hunter know that it had happened. And Hunter immediately scheduled, like, can we. Can I zoom her
(01:07:45) It sounds like you have a good relationship with your own father

Buy Lunden's book

https://a.co/d/3ZWzuiL

Thank you Ben Halberstam for the mics

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