In Depth With Graham Bensinger

14-time NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki is surprised when asked to dip way back into childhood stories, including a propensity for chewing gum and an initial distaste for the sport that made him famous on a global level. Plus, Dirk talks fondly of his long-time mentor Holger Geschwindner, including how Holger would broaden his horizons with introductions to novels, the saxophone and fencing.

Graham sits down with Emmitt Smith to discuss moments from his NFL career, including the Cowboys’ infamous reputation, the Sports Illustrated cover jinx, and his first meeting with his football idol. The iconic running back also addresses his life in business, and gives his opinion as to why the NFL settlement with former players isn’t enough.

Sir Richard Branson shares his most notable failure: an aggressive misstep in Times Square that placed Virgin Cola in the crosshairs of Coca-Cola and led to the swift retail disappearance of Virgin Cola. Branson also tells of his optimistic approach to life and especially business opportunities.

Brazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira looks back on her first world record-qualifying surf in 2018 that was initially snubbed by the World Surf League, until Gabeira took it upon herself to rally public support. After a petition to acknowledge her world record feat was signed by more than 20,000 people, she was eventually granted the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a female (68 feet high). Gabeira also talks of her second Guinness World Record, landing global recognition in 2020 for the largest wave surfed by anyone that year - 73 feet. She also explains her push for the industry to adopt a scientific method for judging Biggest Wave submissions.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Branson, the adventurous founder of the Virgin Group, shares thrilling tales of his hot air balloon expeditions and the challenges of starting an airline. He vividly recounts a dramatic Atlantic journey filled with near disasters and teamwork. Branson also discusses the emotional aspects of space travel, advocating for greater public access and reflecting on safety concerns. Touching on his childhood experiences and the lessons learned through failures and triumphs, he emphasizes resilience and the importance of philanthropy.

NBA Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley, on why his Nike role model commercial means so much to him. Interview was taped in 2014.

Kyle’s Busch’s remarkable 2015 comeback is an inspiring story of resilience and a determination to bounce back from disaster. As told here by Kyle Busch, a February 2015 crash left Kyle with a double compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot… and fears that he’d never race again. To the contrary, Kyle’s intense recovery had him (painfully) back behind the wheel in May and winning his first NASCAR Cup Championship that November.

 Graham spends the day with the most decorated professional surfer ever, 11-time world champion, Kelly Slater. Slater - both the youngest and oldest surfer to win world titles - opens up about bringing surfing to the Summer Olympics, coping with his father’s battle with alcoholism and a recent near-death experience during a surfing accident.  The episode debuted nationwide in 2016.

Alex Honnold on how he prepares for a climb by visualizing himself in all aspects of the climb, even death.

Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist Dolph Lundgren recalls the impact of years of therapy sessions, which he started in 2012. Dolph looks inward as he shares how therapy taught him to be honest with himself and examine the darkest areas in his past. He continues by remembering the lowest point in his life - prior to therapy - when he was a drinking heavily, disappearing for days on drinking benders with random women and wrestling with suicidal ideation.