401. Bachelor Ben Higgins Brewing Change: Reality TV Fame to Generous Coffee Founder

"It's really hard not to like somebody once you get to know them."

"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 ...