The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Epizode

• Matt Hasselbeck: From the Super Bowl to the Frontlines of Modern-Day Slavery 30.06.2026 41min

  In this powerful, partner-exclusive episode with the International Justice Mission (IJM), host Benjamin Watson sits down with his long-time friend, 18-year NFL veteran, and 3-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. While Matt is widely celebrated for leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a different kind of legacy: one rooted in faith, family, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Matt and Benjamin dive deep into what it truly means to be available for God’s calling, sharing personal stories from their NFL days, the impact of mentorship inside the locker room, and the worldview-shifting moments that opened their eyes to global injustice and human trafficking. The Power of Locker Room Legacy: Matt reflects on the generation of believers who came before him, his own parents, who co-led couples' Bible studies and chose to stick around, providing a blueprint for faith, marriage, and parenting in a cutthroat industry. The Catalyst for Global Justice: Matt shares a moving, pivotal story from a college service trip to a leprosy community in Kingston, Jamaica, where a man named George McPhee completely redefined what true joy, worship, and peace look like. Waking Up to Modern-Day Slavery: From learning about IJM through a series of divine appointments to discovering human trafficking happening at a motel just 400 yards away from his stadium in Nashville, Matt discusses the moment he realized doing nothing was no longer an option. Using Your Platform for Common Ground: How Matt and his wife, Sarah, turned their home into a space to educate teammates on non-negotiable issues like human trafficking and clean water, finding unity across diverse locker room dynamics. The Locker Room Blueprint for a Divided World: A look at why sports culture successfully bridges racial, political, and ideological divides and how a shared mission allows people to deeply care about issues that affect their brothers, even if it doesn't directly impact them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Juwan Johnson: How an NFL Tight End Partnered with IJM to Fight Human Trafficking 23.06.2026 14min

  In this special episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with fellow NFL tight end Juwan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints. Partnering with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin and Juwan dive deep into what it means to use an influential platform to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Juwan shares his personal journey from blind spots to active advocacy, how his background as a Black man helps him identify with the oppressed, and why "the just life" ultimately requires the sacrifice of our most valuable resource: our time. Finding Your Lane: Much like a football team where every player has a distinct role, you don’t need to own an organization to fight injustice. You just need to find your lane and utilize your unique abilities. The Power of Awareness: Awareness is the first step toward advocacy. Recognizing the staggering reality of modern-day slavery—even when it makes us uncomfortable—forces us out of our self-contained bubbles. Proximity to Pain: True justice work begins in your own backyard. Juwan emphasizes the importance of serving the immediate community of New Orleans before trying to fix global issues. Defining "The Just Life": For Juwan, living justly means sacrifice - sacrificing comfort, ignorance, and time to prioritize the human rights and needs of others over our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Jason McCourty: From the Locker Room to the State House 16.06.2026 42min

  What happens when the final whistle blows on a 13-year NFL career, but the passion for your community is just getting started? In this special episode of The Just Life, in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM), host Benjamin Watson sits down with his former New England Patriots teammate, Super Bowl champion, and current CBS/ESPN analyst Jason McCourty. Broadcasting live from the Super Bowl in San Francisco, the former teammates reminisce about the unique brotherhood of the NFL locker room and dive deep into what it truly means to be a voice for justice. From an eye-opening police ride-along in Nashville that exposed the reality of the school-to-prison pipeline, to testifying alongside his identical twin brother, Devin, at the Massachusetts State House for a landmark $1 billion education bill, Jason shares his evolution from an athlete "giving back" to a dedicated advocate for structural reform. They also discuss the power of the Players Coalition, the personal mission behind their Tackle Sickle Cell campaign, the digital divide exposed by COVID-19, and the beautiful, complex chaos of fatherhood. Key Takeaways:  The Locker Room Sanctuary: Why the NFL locker room is a rare space where guys from all walks of life can safely disagree on politics, religion, and social issues, yet maintain a foundation of mutual respect and deep trust. The Catalyst for Activism: How Colin Kaepernick taking a knee in 2016 sparked a wave of awareness that led Jason to ask himself: “What work am I going to do on Monday to back up the fist I put up on Sunday?” Exposing the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Jason shares a sobering story from a local Nashville elementary school ride-along that changed his perspective on how standard policy can criminalize normal childhood behavior. The Power of the Outside Bridge: Why athletes and everyday citizens don’t need to be policy experts to make a difference; instead, they can use their platforms to amplify grassroots experts and facilitate tough, cross-sector conversations. Shining a Light on the Education Gap: The behind-the-scenes story of how a group of newly crowned Super Bowl champions walked into the Massachusetts State House to successfully advocate for a $1 billion education funding bill to raise the baseline for underserved communities. Demystifying Sickle Cell Disease: Jason explains the hereditary history of Sickle Cell, its connection to malaria resistance on the African continent, and why breaking the cultural taboo of silence around the trait is so crucial for Black and African-American families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Sam Acho: From the NFL Gridiron to Eradicating Food Deserts and Modern Slavery 09.06.2026 37min

  What happens when you trade standard Slack notifications and offseason relaxation for a deep-dive immersion into the front lines of human rights? In this special partnership episode with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin Watson sits down with nine-year NFL veteran, author, and ESPN analyst Sam Acho. Sam opens up about his unique childhood navigating spaces as the son of Nigerian immigrants, moving between a predominantly Black church, a predominantly white school, and summer medical missions in Nigeria. He shares how these early experiences planted a lifelong hunger for systemic equity, leading him to an NFLPA externship with IJM that altered the course of his philanthropic life. From taking a quiet, eye-opening bus ride through the West Side of Chicago to purchasing a local liquor store to build a community-run food market (Austin Harvest), Sam challenges listeners to move past passive social media activism and use their specific, everyday gifts to execute tangible justice. 1. The Power of Proximity: Sam discusses how a one-week NFLPA externship at IJM's headquarters completely transformed his perspective on human trafficking, moving him from an onlooker who writes checks to an active, lifelong partner. 2. Navigating Identity in the Gray Space: Growing up as a cultural "outcast" who didn't quite fit the traditional frameworks of Black or white America, Sam describes how his Nigerian heritage and unique upbringing allowed him to spot systemic gaps and injustices early in life. 3. Moving Beyond the Timeline: A poignant critique on modern activism—the difference between tweeting "thoughts and prayers" and actually getting on your knees or using your capital to impact real people. 4. The Genesis of Austin Harvest: How a quiet listening session with Chicago youth during the pain of 2020 led a coalition of professional athletes to buy out a local liquor store and convert it into a thriving, youth-operated fresh food mart in a designated food desert. 5. Legacy Through Action: Inspired by his parents' 40-year commitment to medical mission work in Nigeria, Sam breaks down why you don't need a massive platform or political office to act—you simply need to find a community need and fill it. Resources Mentioned International Justice Mission (IJM): A global organization partnering with local authorities to combat human trafficking, modern slavery, and violence against the poor. Austin Harvest: A fresh produce market on Chicago's West Side, transformed from a liquor store by local youth and Chicago athletes. Sam Acho's Books:  Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes Change Starts with You: Following Your Fire to Heal a Broken World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Kirk Cousins: The Prayer That Changed His Life 02.06.2026 17min

  In this special episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with 14-year NFL veteran, Bart Starr Award winner, and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Partnering with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Benjamin and Kirk explore what it means to live out biblical justice, the reality of spiritual warfare on the front lines, and how a prayer Kirk muttered as a 17-year-old high school student shaped his approach to generosity and advocacy in the NFL. Takeaways: The Innate Sense of Justice: Kirk discusses how humans are born with an intrinsic understanding of right and wrong, using his young son's natural desire to "referee" the neighborhood as a prime example of how our spirits are created to long for justice. A 20-Year Journey with IJM: Kirk shares the origin story of his commitment to combating human trafficking, which began at age 17 when he heard IJM founder Gary Haugen speak at a Sunday night church service. An Answered Prayer: As a teenager, Kirk prayed that God would give him the resources to fund the fight against trafficking. Years later, finding himself playing in Washington DC with an NFL contract exceeding his wildest dreams, he knew it was time to fulfill his end of that prayer. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: Reflecting on a powerful moment between his pastor father and Gary Haugen, Kirk reminds listeners that combating systemic oppression isn't just a physical battle; it's spiritual warfare that requires preeminent prayer. The Trap of Distraction: Kirk opens up with vulnerability about the daily distractions of adulthood and how he continuously checks his own heart to ensure personal comfort doesn't cloud his ability to see the desperate needs of others. Defining "The Just Life": Drawing from Micah 6:8, Kirk shares that a just life is defined by three simple but profound commands: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Resources: International Justice Mission (IJM): Learn more about the global fight against human trafficking and modern slavery at IJM.org. Team Freedom: Join the growing community of professional athletes and families dedicating their platforms to ending slavery. Subscribe & Review: If you were inspired by this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to The Just Life on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Dr. Bernice King: The Truth About Nonviolence 07.04.2026 1h

  What does nonviolence actually demand and who does it require us to become? Benjamin Watson welcomes Dr. Bernice King, CEO of The King Center and a leading global voice for social change, for a conversation that moves beyond legacy and into calling. Though many know her as the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, this exchange reveals a fuller picture an athlete’s drive, a creative spirit shaped by music, and a leader committed to being what she calls a “solutionist” in a fractured world. Dr. King challenges the common view of nonviolence as passive, presenting it instead as a disciplined, strategic force capable of real transformation. She confronts the “myth of scarcity,” expands the imagination for what justice can look like, and calls the church to lead with clarity, anchored not in shifting culture, but in a biblical vision of justice rooted in love. Key Takeaways: - The Person Behind the Podium: Dr. King shares rare stories of her upbringing, her competitive nature in sports, and her family’s deep connection to music and the arts. - Nonviolence 365: An exploration of why nonviolence requires more than just "letting your voice be heard"—it requires strategy, infrastructure, and an understanding of the adversary’s position. - The "World House" Philosophy: Why justice in the Congo or Gaza is inextricably linked to justice in the United States, and why we must shift our loyalties from the "tribal" to the "human." - A New Kind of Capitalism: Challenging the "scarcity mindset" and discussing the potential for compassionate, inclusive economic systems. - Moral Accountability: How to separate "the evil from the person" to maintain a focus on systemic transformation rather than personal destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Tony Dungy: What It Costs to Stand for Your Faith 31.03.2026 47min

  In this episode of The Just Life, host Benjamin Watson sits down with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl-winning coach, Tony Dungy. They explore the intersection of faith and justice, discussing Dungy’s controversial decision to speak at the March for Life, the legacy of his father, and the ongoing challenges regarding racial representation in NFL leadership. Key Takeaways:  - The Courage of Conviction: Coach Dungy discusses his appearance at the 2023 March for Life. He explains why he viewed the national prayer for DeMar Hamlin as a catalyst for recognizing the sanctity of all life, despite the significant professional pushback he received from NBC and the public. - A Legacy of "Making it Better": Dungy shares the moving story of his father, Wilbur Dungy. Only at his father's funeral did Tony discover he was a Tuskegee Airman. He reflects on his father’s mantra: "If they don't want you to fly, sometimes you have to teach yourself," and how that shaped Tony's approach to coaching and civil rights. - Diversity in the NFL: A look at the 2026 coaching cycle and the systemic hurdles facing African-American coaches. Dungy breaks down why the "quarterback whisperer" prototype often excludes minority talent and how he intentionally built his own coaching tree (including Mike Tomlin and Lovie Smith) by going the extra mile in talent scouting. - The Definition of Justice: Dungy defines justice not as a "skin problem" but a "sin problem," rooted in a standard established by God rather than the fickle trends of man. - The Power of Fatherhood: The conversation concludes with the importance of fatherhood as a justice issue - passing down capital, ideals, and faith to the next generation to fight for those without a voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Anquan Boldin: From the Muck to the Movement 24.03.2026 45min

  In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin. From his roots in the agricultural “Muck” of Palm Beach County to a standout NFL career, Boldin reflects on how football shaped his leadership and how personal tragedy reshaped his purpose. Boldin is the co-founder of the Players Coalition, a player-led organization working with more than 1,500 athletes, coaches, and owners to advance social justice and racial equality. He is also the founder of SPORT FOR IMPACT, helping athletes turn influence into meaningful change.  The conversation explores life in “The Muck,” the mentality of “playing angry,” early encounters with policing, and the 2015 killing of Boldin’s cousin, Corey Jones, a case that led to the first conviction of an on-duty Florida officer in 30 years. This episode examines what it means to move from the field to the fight and to pursue justice when it becomes personal. Key Takeaways: - The Quarterback Heart: Anquan recalls his days at Florida State, his transition from quarterback to wide receiver to get on the field, and the grueling recovery from his first major ACL injury. - Life in "The Muck": A look at the socioeconomic divide in Palm Beach County. Boldin explains how the forgotten agricultural region of Florida breeds a unique work ethic and a justified distrust of authority. - The "Angry" Athlete: A candid reflection on how systemic injustice manifests as "playing angry" on the field, and the lack of vocabulary many athletes have to describe the trauma they carry. - The Turning Point: The heartbreaking story of Anquan’s cousin, Corey Jones, who was killed by an undercover officer in 2015. This incident led to the first conviction of an on-duty officer in Florida in 30 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Johnny Joey Jones: What Do We Owe the Men and Women We Send to War? 17.03.2026 1h 3min

  What does a just society owe the men and women it sends into harm's way? In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Johnny Joey Jones, Marine Corps veteran, New York Times bestselling author, and FOX News co-host of The Big Weekend Show. In their conversation, Joey shares his journey from a small "one-horse town" in Georgia to serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in the Marine Corps. After losing both legs in a combat injury in Afghanistan, Joey faced a hard reset on life. Together, Benjamin and Joey explore why responsibility is better than motivation, the danger of spoiling veterans with low expectations, and why the ultimate way to honor a service member is to expect something great from them. Key Takeaways:  - The Power of "The Hard Reset": Joey shares that his recovery was actually aided by a simultaneous life upheaval, becoming a father and entering a new relationship just as he lost his legs. Because his entire life changed at once, he didn't have a "normal" life to pine for, which helped him avoid the trap of resentment. - Motivation vs. Responsibility: While motivation is fleeting (likened to a "five-hour energy"), responsibility is a permanent driver. Joey argues that having people who depend on you is the most effective way to navigate recovery and find purpose after trauma. - Veterans are Not a Monolith: The military brings people from vastly different backgrounds and political views together. Joey emphasizes that while their bond is forged in shared hardship, veterans remain individual citizens with diverse perspectives, not a single-minded subgroup. - Respect Through Expectation: The highest form of honor we can show veterans is to expect something from them. Rather than viewing them solely as people who need to be "taken care of," we should view them as high-value assets who have a continued responsibility to contribute to their communities, churches, and workforces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Michel Lusakueno: Why the World Can’t Ignore Congo 10.03.2026 48min

  For many, the tragedies occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) feel distant - relegated to fleeting social media statistics or occasional news reports. But the reality is far closer to our everyday lives than most people realize. In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Congolese native Michel Lusakueno to bridge that gap. Michel shares his unique perspective as a “naturalized nomad” who has spent 26 years in America while keeping his heart and family firmly rooted in the DRC. Together, they explore the importance of developing a proper perspective on the region, clarifying the geography of the Congo, and challenging the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality that often surrounds global injustice. The conversation also reveals a sobering connection between modern convenience and human suffering. From smartphones to electric cars, satellites to gaming consoles, much of today’s technology depends on coltan, a critical mineral found in abundance in the Congo. Yet despite holding some of the world’s largest reserves, the Congolese people have paid an unimaginable price - through genocide, exploitation, displacement, and decades of violence fueled by the global demand for these resources. Through personal insight and historical clarity, Michel invites listeners to see beyond headlines and statistics, to recognize the humanity, complexity, and urgency of what is happening in the Congo today. Key Takeaways The Identity of a Nomad: Michel discusses his journey from Africa to America and how he maintains a deep connection to his homeland while building a life and career in the United States. The Geography of Congo: Clarifying the confusion between the two different countries that share the “Congo” name and why proper terminology matters. The Hidden Cost of Technology: How minerals like coltan power the devices we use every day—and the devastating human cost tied to their extraction. Challenging Apathy: Why it is vital to move beyond social media statistics to understand the human reality of the atrocities and issues facing the DRC today. Global Citizenship: How we can work together to address problems that feel far away but require our collective attention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Dr. Eric Mason: Why Biblical Justice is Spiritual Maturity 03.03.2026 1h 1min

  In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with theologian, author, and pastor Dr. Eric Mason to dismantle the idea that justice is a "social elective" for the Christian. Dr. Mason explains how biblical justice is fundamentally rooted in "proper judgment" and spiritual maturity. They dive deep into the necessity of knowing our history, no matter how uncomfortable, to achieve true restoration, the fallout of "cultural" versus "theological" church planting, and how to effectively disciple men by providing clarity, simplicity, and depth. Key Takeaways: - Defining Biblical Justice: Dr. Mason breaks down the Hebrew and Greek origins of justice, linking it to the "weightier matters of the law" mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 23:23. He argues that the inability to do justice is a sign of spiritual immaturity. - The Power of History: Using the analogy of premarital counseling, Dr. Mason explains why America cannot heal without telling the "whole story." He addresses "social justice fatigue" and why understanding systemic roots is vital for empathy. - The "Reform" Fallout: A candid look at why many Black church planters have felt disillusioned in majority-culture denominations, often being asked to plant a specific culture rather than just a theology. - Restoring Manhood: Dr. Mason outlines his philosophy for discipling men, emphasizing that men don’t just want to be "invited"—they want to be "gotten" and taught with a clear vision for their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Preston Perry: If God Is Good, How Can He Allow Such Horrific Things to Happen? 24.02.2026 37min

  In this powerful episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with poet, author, and apologist Preston Perry. Preston shares his journey from the South Side of Chicago, where he witnessed the harsh realities of murder and systemic neglect, to becoming a leading voice in Christian apologetics. The conversation takes a deep dive into the necessity of empathy, the dangers of prioritizing political positions over people’s stories, and how the Gospel provides the ultimate framework for both righteousness and justice. Key Takeaways: - The Power of Story: Preston discusses how creativity and poetry can humanize complex issues like immigration and racial injustice, inviting people into a world they might otherwise argue against. - Innate Justice: Why every human has an innate sense of justice because we are created in the Imago Dei (Image of God). - The Pharisee Trap: A reflection on John 9, exploring how modern believers often mirror the Pharisees by caring more about a person’s camp or political landing spot than the miracle of God’s work in their life. - Apologetics as Empathy: Preston redefines apologetics not just as a defensive argument, but as a bridge-building tool rooted in gentleness and respect for those who are hurting. -  Sharing in Suffering: A poignant look at the Black American experience and how it uniquely mirrors the suffering and resilience found in the Gospel. Check out the video version at  https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at  https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Dr. Boyce Watkins: Building Family Freedom Through Ownership 17.02.2026 1h 27min

  What does it mean to live a just life in a society where the economic scales have been tipped for centuries? While protests, legislation, and boycotts are vital tools for justice, Dr. Boyce Watkins argues that there is another hammer we must pick up: Finance. In this episode, Benjamin Watson and Dr. Watkins move beyond the abstract and dive into the "science of wealth." From Dr. Watkins’ humble beginnings in Louisville to his tenure at Syracuse University, this conversation explores why true freedom isn't just the absence of chains, it's the presence of ownership. They discuss the looming threat of AI, the "gang-like" loyalty required to build family institutions, and why your time is more valuable than your bank account. The Journey to Financial Literacy: Dr. Watkins shares his personal story of being a young father and struggling student who chose to major in finance simply because he "needed" money. Time vs. Money: A deep dive into why wasting time is a greater "sin" than wasting money. Dr. Watkins explains that wealth is simply an accumulation of money across time. The Economic Storm of AI: Why Dr. Watkins believes Artificial Intelligence is the "White Walker" of the modern economy, threatening to widen the unemployment gap for those without ownership. Relationships as Wealth: A powerful perspective on how family loyalty, marriage, and community bonds are actually forms of "unseen" capital that can be leveraged to build institutions. The Flaw in Capitalism: Why capitalism, in its extreme form, leads to exploitation—and how to find a "healthy balance" that empowers the community without sacrificing virtue. Reparations and Realities: Addressing the $14 trillion racial wealth gap and the practical steps the community can take while waiting for systemic compensation. Check out the video version at  https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at  https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Leah Rothstein: Uncovering the Unconstitutional History of Our Cities 10.02.2026 1h 20min

  In this episode of The Just Life, Leah Rothstein joins Benjamin Watson for a sobering and necessary conversation about the structural roots of racial segregation in America. Drawing from Just Action, the book she co-authored with her father, renowned academic Richard Rothstein, Leah challenges the popular belief that today’s segregated neighborhoods are simply the result of personal choice or market forces. Instead, she exposes the unconstitutional reality behind America’s divided landscape and how federal, state, and local governments deliberately engineered segregation through policies like the GI Bill, restrictive covenants, redlining, and the Interstate Highway System. Together, Leah and Benjamin unpack how these decisions systematically stripped wealth from Black communities while subsidizing white suburbs and why acknowledging that history matters for pursuing justice today. Key Topics Discussed: - From Awareness to Repair: Why it’s no longer enough to just "know" the history; we must actively redress the damage. - The Jewish-Black Connection: Leah shares how her upbringing in a Jewish activist household shaped her commitment to the idea that "we’re not safe unless everybody’s safe." - The Myth of "Natural" Segregation: A breakdown of how the FHA and local zoning laws intentionally separated resources and opportunities by race. - The Legacy of the GI Bill: How post-WWII housing subsidies created a massive, compounding wealth gap. - Modern Day Segregation: How "race-neutral" policies (single-family zoning, illegal practices, racial steering...) continue to enforce segregation today. Check out the video version at:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial⁠  Connect with Benjamin at:⁠https://benjaminswatson.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Gary Haugen: The Real Reason Poverty Persists 07.02.2026 52min

  In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Gary Haugen, Founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM). While many view poverty simply as a lack of resources, Gary argues that for the world’s poorest, the primary obstacle to survival is actually unchecked violence. From his upbringing in a "bubble" of affluence to investigating genocide in Rwanda, Gary shares his journey of discovering that justice is not optional, it is essential to living out the Gospel. They discuss the staggering statistics of modern slavery, the lingering impact of colonialism on justice systems, and how enforcing the law can break the cycle of poverty. Gary Haugen is the CEO and founder of International Justice Mission (IJM). A graduate of Harvard and the University of Chicago Law School, Gary formerly served at the U.S. Department of Justice and directed the U.N. investigation into the Rwandan genocide. He is the author of The Locust Effect and Just Courage. Key Topics Discussed: The Bubble vs. The Real World: Gary’s transition from a comfortable childhood in California to confronting racial tension at Harvard and apartheid in South Africa. A Lesson from Desmond Tutu: A powerful story of witnessing Bishop Tutu confront Dutch Reformed Church leaders about the sin of apartheid. The Rwanda Investigation: How investigating mass graves after the 1994 genocide revealed the desperate need for protection systems for the poor. The Poverty-Violence Connection: Why traditional philanthropy often fails if it doesn't address the "bullies" who steal resources from the poor. The Economics of Slavery: Understanding that slavery is a low-risk, high-reward crime fueled by a lack of law enforcement. Colonial Legacies: How colonial powers built justice systems designed to protect regimes rather than citizens, and the current efforts to re-engineer them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Jemar Tisby: The History the Church Avoids 03.02.2026 59min

   In this episode of The Just Life, Benjamin sits down with historian, author, and speaker Dr. Jemar Tisby to discuss the inseparable link between faith and justice. Together, they dive deep into the American church's complicated history with racism and how understanding the past is essential for interpreting the present. Jemar challenges the traditional narrative of the Jim Crow era, reframing it as a time of Black institution building and resilience. They also tackle hot-button issues like DEI, the "Marxist" label in evangelical circles, and the difference between "repeating" and "rhyming" history. Whether you are looking for language to articulate your experiences or seeking practical steps to make wrong things right, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and hope. Key Topics Discussed: Reframing History: Why Jemar views the Jim Crow era not just as a time of segregation, but as the "Black Institution Building Era. Does History Repeat? The difference between history repeating and history rhyming, with examples from the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to modern immigration policies. The DEI Debate: Understanding the historical backlash to Black progress (from the Wilmington Coup to modern corporate boycotts). Jamar’s Journey: Growing up in Waukegan, the culture shock of the Mississippi Delta, and the tension of being a Black Christian in predominantly white evangelical spaces. Labels in the Church: Unpacking why terms like "Marxist" and "Woke" are weaponized against Christians pursuing social justice. Defining Racism: A clear working definition: Prejudice + Power. Hope for Repair: How we can unmake racism by forming communities of belonging. Check out the video version at: https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at: https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Ruth Malhotra: The Woman Who Told The Truth About Ravi Zacharias 27.01.2026 1h 5min

  In this powerful episode of The Just Life, Benjamin Watson sits down with Ruth Malhotra, a key whistleblower in the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) scandal. Ruth’s journey is one of unexpected advocacy, sitting at the intersection of faith, justice, and public engagement. The conversation begins with Ruth’s early days at Georgia Tech, where she successfully sued the university for violating free speech rights, setting a precedent for students across the nation. However, the interview takes a somber and gripping turn as Ruth details her time as the Public Relations Manager for RZIM. She pulls back the curtain on the culture of fear, the "don't question Ravi" mandate, and the systemic abuse of power that allowed a global ministry leader to hide a double life. This is a raw look at what happens when institutions prioritize reputation over righteousness, and how to maintain faith when leaders fail. Key Topics & Takeaways: From India to Atlanta: How Ruth’s upbringing and exposure to the slums of India shaped her view of global injustice. The Georgia Tech Lawsuit: The story behind Ruth’s battle against university speech codes and the Dean who admitted to "indoctrinating" students. The RZIM Culture: The gradual realization of "optics" issues, financial extravagance, and the idolatry of leadership. The Turning Point: The 2017 allegations by Lori Ann Thompson and the accidental email that revealed the cover-up to Ruth. The 4 Stages of Cover-Up: Ruth breaks down how organizations hide abuse: Deny, Defy, and Defame. Surviving Gaslighting: How ministry leadership tried to label Ruth as mentally unstable to discredit her whistleblowing. The Definition of Justice: Why justice requires not just protecting the vulnerable, but exposing the darkness, even when it is within the church. Check out the video version at: https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at:  https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Sho Baraka: The Promise We Never Kept 20.01.2026 1h 10min

  Artist, author, and cultural commentator Sho Baraka joins Benjamin Watson to kick off Season 2 of The Just Life for a powerful conversation on faith, history, and justice. Drawing from his upbringing during the Rodney King era and his time at Tuskegee University, Sho shares how his understanding of injustice was formed. Together, they examine his Christianity Today article "The Broken Promise of 40 Acres and a Mule",  exploring the biblical and moral questions surrounding reparations, why these conversations remain so contentious, and what justice rooted in faith looks like beyond repentance, toward repair. The conversation also unpacks Sho’s idea of “the gold and the shadow,” challenging listeners to tell the whole truth about America, the church, and the stories we inherit. Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial  Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Jasmine Crowe-Houston: Love Your Neighbor, Feed Your Neighbor 18.11.2025 46min

  Benjamin Watson sits down with Jasmine Crowe-Houston, social impact innovator, TED speaker, and founder/CEO of Goodr, to reframe hunger as a justice issue, not just charity. Jasmine breaks down why 42–47 million Americans live with food insecurity, how “food deserts” and “food swamps” drive inequity, and why the poorest often pay the most for food. She explains Goodr’s tech platform that rescues surplus meals in 1–2 hours, the free in-school grocery stores and pop-up markets delivering dignified choice, and the 40M+ meals Goodr has provided to date. They dig into waste (40% of U.S. food; ~2% of GDP), policy fixes (universal school meals, don’t-landfill-food mandates), the spiritual and emotional toll of this work, and simple ways families, churches, and businesses can love their neighbors by feeding them—locally and sustainably.Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Topics: Hunger as a justice issue Food deserts vs. food swamps 40% food waste, 2% of GDP Goodr’s surplus-to-nonprofit logistics Free school-based grocery stores Pop-up markets & senior deliveries Minimum wage, affordability, access Policy ideas: no-waste laws, school meals Churches & communities as feeders Practical ways to “love your neighbor” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Geoff Duncan: The Honest Umpire 11.11.2025 50min

  Benjamin Watson and Geoff Duncan, former Georgia lieutenant governor, ex–pro baseball pitcher, entrepreneur, and author of GOP 2.0, talk about truth, courage, and leading with love. Geoff shares how his faith matured from “inherited” to personal, why he chose to call balls and strikes after 2020, and what it cost. They unpack his “honest umpire” approach, character in the Oval Office, rebuilding trust through policy-first problem solving, and practical justice: education, economic mobility, and dignifying our neighbors across party lines. Duncan also reflects on his DNC speech, being expelled by the GOP, and what kind of America he hopes to hand his three sons.Check out the video version at https://www.youtube.com/@thejustlifeofficial Connect with Benjamin at https://benjaminswatson.com/ Topics: Honest umpire: call balls and strikes Faith maturing from inherited to personal Policy over politics: PET framework Character and tone in leadership Election integrity and January 6th Political homelessness and party extremism Justice as love of neighbor Education and economic mobility Bipartisan problem-solving and empathy Parenting, courage, and public witness Also check out https://benjaminswatson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices