In Depth With Graham Bensinger

A comedian reflects on building control through relentless work and craft. Practical advice includes always overdelivering and avoiding being a jerk. Conversations touch on juggling intense career demands with family life. There is also a look at how catastrophic thinking fuels preparation while draining day-to-day presence.

Dan Hurley, UConn head coach and two-time NCAA champion, known for intense coaching and player development. He discusses morning rituals and superstitions, his struggles with anxiety and recovery, turning down the Lakers, family influences, sideline intensity, recruiting pressures, and why college coaching suits him. Short, candid, and personal reflections throughout.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski on a memorable moment with Michael Jordan that helped set the organizational structure of the 1992 Dream Team.

Albert Pujols, Hall of Fame slugger known for his years with the Cardinals and Angels, speaks about his deep Christian faith and how it shapes his life. He recounts first church experiences with his wife, talks about leading teammates to faith, and discusses making God the priority above career and family. Short, personal stories and spiritual turning points drive the conversation.

Stephen A. Smith, famed sports media force and commentator, reflects on his Hollis, Queens roots and rise to prominence. He discusses childhood hardship, grief and therapy, relentless work ethic, career risks and negotiations. He also touches on fatherhood, loyalty, financial goals, mentorship from figures like Bob Iger, and ambitions beyond sports media.

Jerry Seinfeld, legendary stand-up comedian and co-creator of Seinfeld, gives a peek into his daily writing ritual and stagecraft. He recounts a memorable crowd interruption and how sets evolve through performance. He compares comedy to martial arts, explains counting syllables for timing, and why he protects new material while refining jokes with audience feedback.

Cheryl Hines, actress and comedian who moved to LA from a humble upbringing, shares early-career stories. She recounts reenacting the Psycho shower scene at Universal Studios and how theme-park work jumpstarted auditions. She talks about coping with rejection, reframing auditions as craft, and family moments that pushed her to pursue acting.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and Baptist minister who worked with Dr. King and founded Rainbow/PUSH, reflects on his childhood, athletics, and the rise of his activism. He recounts witnessing Dr. King’s assassination, founding Rainbow/PUSH, navigating criticism, running for president, and leading negotiations and voter and economic justice efforts.

Bert Kreischer, a high-energy stand-up comedian known for viral storytelling and inspiring the idea for Van Wilder, reflects on his six-year college saga and being denied graduation. He returns to campus to sell out the Civic Center and receive the Seminole Spear. He also discusses the Rolling Stone piece that led to a movie and why he chose not to watch it.

Jerry West, Hall of Famer and longtime NBA executive known for his Lakers legacy, reflects on a lifelong perfectionist drive. He talks about why wins never felt satisfying. He describes relentless self-critique and replaying tiny mistakes. He traces his competitiveness back to a small-town upbringing and a desire to excel at everything.