Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson

What happens when the circumstances in front of you seem to say there is no way forward? Dr. Ben Carson sits down with author Wally Kassebaum for a conversation about faith, truth, the mind, and the hidden beliefs that can quietly take control of our lives. Kassebaum, author of Reality Is Not the Truth: Breaking Free from the Idol We Don’t See, argues that the circumstances we see around us may describe where we are today without necessarily determining where our lives must end. Dr. Carson shares a remarkable story from his years in medicine involving a critically ill child, a mother who did not believe in God and a moment he says changed both of their lives. The conversation also explores anxiety, addiction, forgiveness, neuroplasticity, renewing the mind, willpower, community and Dr. Carson’s own transformation from an angry teenager into someone who learned to respond differently. In this episode: ● Reality versus truth ● The hidden “idols” people may not recognize ● Dr. Carson’s remarkable hospital story ● Faith and uncertainty ● Neuroplasticity and changing mental patterns ● Why addiction creates deeply ingrained pathways ● How repetition can help establish new habits ● Forgiveness and letting go of the past ● Dr. Carson on overcoming his violent temper ● Why community matters when change is difficult ● Finding peace when circumstances feel overwhelming Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations about faith, liberty, community, life and the ideas that shape how we live. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What happens when programs created to help children and families become buried under federal rules? Dr. Ben Carson sits down with Assistant Secretary Alex Adams, who leads the Administration for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services, for a wide-ranging conversation about Head Start, foster care, parental authority, family stability, and the proper role of government. Adams explains why the administration is seeking to move away from prescriptive federal requirements and put parents and local communities back in the driver's seat. He discusses proposed Head Start reforms that he says would reduce regulatory burdens while expanding access, the nationwide Home for Every Child foster-care initiative, efforts to support young adults aging out of foster care, and what he calls the “orphan tax”— the use of foster children's Social Security survivor benefits by states to offset government costs. Dr. Carson and Assistant Secretary Adams also discuss marriage, fatherhood, work, the “success sequence,” bipartisan welfare reform, and why strong families remain foundational to a strong country. In this episode: Head Start and parental control; federal regulation versus outcomes; foster-home shortages; faith-based foster families; support for children aging out of care; Social Security survivor benefits; family stability, marriage and fatherhood; work and welfare reform; and why both men remain hopeful about America's future. Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the ideas shaping America's future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What keeps a calling alive through success, grief, reinvention, and age? Kathie Lee Gifford joins Dr. Ben Carson for a candid conversation about the dreams planted in childhood and the faith that gave those dreams direction. Gifford recalls the Billy Graham film that changed her life, the advice that helped her navigate entertainment, her advocacy for children affected by HIV/AIDS, and the biblical stories that continue to shape her work. She also shares the simple conviction behind her next chapter: “If I have a pulse, I have a purpose. The conversation turns to redemption, hearing God call us by name, and the hope Gifford finds in the promise that all things will be made new. Her comments about the Shroud of Turin, biblical translation, historical events, and public policy reflect her own views and recollections. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

How do you build a strong family in a culture that often pulls families apart? Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, joins Dr. Ben Carson to discuss why marriage still matters, what children need from parents and mentors, and how faith can help couples stay on the same team Daly shares his own story of family instability, foster care, and the coach who modeled trustworthy leadership. He and Dr. Carson explore marriage as a path toward selflessness, the risks of fear-driven parenting, practical boundaries around smartphones and social media, and the importance of giving teenagers room to succeed and fail while they are still at home. The conversation also addresses premarital counseling, late-life divorce, grandparents, and Daly’s account of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored marriage intensives. Statistics and program outcomes mentioned in the episode are presented as Daly’s statements and have not been independently verified for this package. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Therapy is more available and more culturally influential than ever. Yet anxiety, depression, loneliness, political fixation, and fractured relationships remain widespread. In this episode, Dr. Ben Carson speaks with psychotherapist and Therapy Nation author Jonathan Alpert about the difference between feeling better in the moment and actually getting better. They also examine what is commonly called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” or TDS. While Alpert emphasizes that TDS is not an official diagnosis found in the DSM, he discusses the political hyper-fixation, anxiety, restlessness, and damaged relationships that can develop when any political figure becomes the focus of an unhealthy obsession. Alpert argues for therapy that is goal-oriented, accountable, and designed to build resilience. The conversation explores diagnostic language in everyday life, endless therapy, political polarization, victimhood, faith, personal responsibility, and how Americans can rediscover common ground. This discussion reflects the participants’ views and is not medical advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dr. Ben Carson once considered himself the worst student in his class. Then one unexpected moment changed the way he saw himself, and ultimately changed the course of his life. In this special episode of Common Sense, Reagan Hannus turns the tables and interviews Dr. Carson about how our perception of ourselves is formed, why parents have such an important role in shaping their children's lives, and what decades of operating on the human brain taught him about human potential. Dr. Carson also discusses the influence of social media on young people, the opportunities and dangers presented by artificial intelligence and virtual reality, how to make difficult decisions without being controlled by fear, and the advice he believes young adults need most today. From books and education to faith, family, human connection, and the extraordinary capacity of the brain, this conversation is about refusing to allow your circumstances - or other people's expectations - to determine what you can become. Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the issues shaping America's future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

As America marks its 250th anniversary, an urgent question has emerged: Who is responsible for telling America’s story—and what happens when the nation’s most trusted historical institutions begin interpreting the past through the lens of contemporary political activism? Dr. Ben Carson is joined by Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, for a revealing discussion about the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of American History, and the administration’s review of how American history is being presented to the public. Haley argues that the museum has moved away from presenting a coherent account of America’s founding, failures, achievements, sacrifices, and ideals—and toward using history as an instrument for activism and social advocacy. Dr. Carson and Haley discuss: ● Why patriotism appears to be declining ● How historical knowledge shapes national identity ● What the administration found at the Smithsonian ● The difference between teaching difficult history and promoting national despair ● Slavery, abolition, the Civil War, and America’s struggle to fulfill its founding principles ● The forgotten contributions of Black Patriots during the American Revolution ● The influence of faith and the Great Awakening on America’s founding ● DEI, merit, race, and political division ● How museums and schools shape future generations ● What citizens, parents, and grandparents can do to preserve America’s story History is more than a collection of artifacts and dates. It tells people who they are, where they came from, and what they have the potential to become. Watch the full conversation and tell us in the comments: Should a taxpayer-supported national museum promote contemporary political causes—or present the fullest possible account of America’s history? Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for thoughtful conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the challenges facing America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What happens when the institutions entrusted with preserving American history begin advancing a political story of their own? In this episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carson sits down with U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas to discuss congressional oversight, the Smithsonian Institution, the use of taxpayer dollars, border enforcement, socialism, and the responsibility of young Americans to defend the nation’s founding principles. Congressman Gill explains why he believes simple questions can expose ideological assumptions inside public institutions. He also discusses a recent SNAP hearing, the dramatic change he sees at the southern border, and why he believes Democratic Socialists are pulling their party, and the country, further left. The conversation closes on a more personal note: how faith helps Gill withstand criticism, why politics cannot become an ultimate end, and what younger Americans can do to preserve opportunity for their children and grandchildren. This is a conflict over truth, accountability, and inheritance: will citizens govern their institutions, or will institutions train citizens to distrust what common sense tells them? In this episode: ● What Rep. Gill says the Smithsonian gets wrong about American history ● Why calling punctuality, civility, and linear thinking “white supremacy” creates backlash ● The common-sense question he asked about soda and SNAP benefits ● Why he views recent border enforcement as a change in political will, not law ● How Democratic Socialists are reshaping the Democratic Party ● Why young Americans must understand socialism’s historical record ● How faith and criticism shape Gill’s approach to public service If this conversation made you think, share it with someone who wants public institutions to answer to the people they serve. Subscribe for more conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the common-sense principles America needs now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

In this episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carson sits down with Congressman Byron Donalds for a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, education, the American Dream, and the future of the country. Congressman Donalds shares his personal story of growing up in Brooklyn, being raised by a single mother, making serious mistakes as a young man, and ultimately turning his life around through faith. He explains why he believes America remains the greatest country in the world for those willing to work hard, take responsibility, and persevere. Dr. Carson and Congressman Donalds also discuss the crisis in American education, the danger of victimhood, the rise of socialist ideas, the importance of economic literacy, and why young people need to rediscover the principles that made America exceptional. This is a conversation about second chances, faith, courage, family, and why the American Dream is still worth defending. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Many of America’s veterans carry wounds the rest of us cannot see. In this episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carson sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Curt Kolvet to discuss the invisible battles many service members continue to face long after deployment ends — including PTSD, depression, isolation, family strain, and the heartbreaking reality of veteran suicide. Lt. Col. Kolvet reflects on 23 years of military service, the pressure of leading men and women in combat, the burden placed on military families, and the moments that forced him to reconnect with his humanity and his faith. He also shares how his Christian faith sustained him through deployment, leadership, trauma, and the transition out of military life. This conversation is a reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off — and that veterans and their families deserve gratitude, support, community, and hope. In this episode: ● What civilians often misunderstand about military service ● Why many veterans suffer silently ● The pressure military families carry ● How faith sustained Lt. Col. Kolvet in combat and leadership ● Why he wrote a devotional specifically for veterans ● What struggling veterans need to hear right now ● Dr. Carson’s reminder that America must recover faith, courage, and common sense If you know a veteran, thank them. If you know someone who is struggling, reach out. And if this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the common sense principles America needs now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Delano Squires joins Dr. Ben Carson to discuss his new book, The Vanishing Black Family, and the hard truths behind America’s family crisis. In this conversation, Dr. Carson and Delano examine why family breakdown cannot be explained by economics alone, how fatherlessness affects children, why marriage and fatherhood matter, and what churches, communities, schools, and cultural leaders can do to rebuild strong families. This episode explores: • Why family formation is central to a healthy society • The impact of fatherlessness on children • Why Delano Squires believes the crisis is spiritual and cultural, not merely economic • How welfare policy, feminism, and popular culture reshaped views on marriage and family • Why the Black family crisis should concern all Americans • The role of churches, HBCUs, mentors, fathers, and community leaders in restoring marriage • What future generations need from us now Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build a strong nation. Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations rooted in faith, liberty, community, and life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

On this rebroadcast episode of Dr. Ben Carson's appearance on "Lt. Dan," Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explores the influence of Carson's mother, the power of reading, the complexity of the human brain, his experiences on the presidential campaign trail, his friendship with President Donald Trump, and the work of the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty. It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, faith, personal responsibility, and the values that continue to define the American Dream. Timestamps: 00:00 – Lt. Dan introduces Dr. Ben Carson & Religious Liberty Commission 02:43 – From inner-city Detroit to “Gifted Hands”: Ben Carson’s origin story 05:12 – Books, art, Mozart & Motown: how curiosity changed his life 07:09 – Classical music in the OR: pioneering pediatric brain surgery 08:17 – Mind-blowing brain demo: what it takes just to raise your hand 10:21 – Running for president & Trump’s debate-stage act of kindness 14:10 – Inside the Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty 16:41 – Shay, Navy SEALs & Christians punished for their faith 22:54 – At HUD: empowering faith-based groups & the “mustard seed” model 26:16 – America’s God-given rights, the American Dream & a call to stand up See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

America is preparing to celebrate 250 years of freedom, but are we losing the values that made that freedom possible? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Ben Carson sits down with Dr. Robert George, founder of Fidelity Month, to discuss why faith, family, community, and country remain essential to preserving the American experiment. Together they explore: • Why Americans are losing confidence in religion, family, and country • What the Founding Fathers risked to create the United States • Why freedom depends on virtue • The dangers of political polarization • Why strong families are the foundation of self-government • How parents can raise children who love truth and responsibility • What every American can do to strengthen the nation As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this conversation offers a timely reminder that freedom is never guaranteed—and every generation must choose whether to preserve it. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, freedom, family, and the future of America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What happens when a country forgets its own history? In this powerful episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carson sits down with actor and entertainer John Schneider to discuss why America’s founding story matters now more than ever — and why so many young people are growing up disconnected from the sacrifices that built this nation. The conversation centers around Star Spangled Adventures: The Movie, a new animated film designed to teach children the courage, faith, sacrifice, and responsibility behind American freedom. Dr. Carson and Schneider discuss: Why America’s history is disappearing from classrooms The danger of raising a generation disconnected from sacrifice Why storytelling shapes culture How patriotism became controversial The spiritual foundations of America The importance of family-friendly entertainment Why freedom can disappear faster than people realize The power of curiosity and historical understanding How division weakens a nation from within This episode is about more than a movie. It’s about whether the next generation will understand what it means to be free. Subscribe to American Cornerstone Institute and Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations about faith, freedom, family, and America’s future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dr. Ben Carson reflects on the sanctity of life, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the rise of chemical abortions, and why the fight for life is far from over. Drawing on his experience as a pediatric neurosurgeon who operated on babies in the womb, Dr. Carson explains why every human life has value from the moment of conception — and why Christians are being called to courage in a culture increasingly hostile to that truth. Joined by Reverend Clark Chilton and Reverend Dr. Ken Lyon of Wesley Memorial Church in High Point, North Carolina, this powerful conversation explores faith, compassion, prayer, adoption, foster care, crisis pregnancy centers, and the responsibility believers have to protect the vulnerable. This is not just a political issue. It is a spiritual issue, a cultural issue, and a human issue. In this episode: • Why Roe v. Wade did not end the fight for life • The rise of chemical abortions in America • Why silence is no longer an option • How Christians should respond with courage and compassion • The importance of adoption, foster care, and crisis pregnancy centers • Why every life matters in the eyes of God If you believe faith, family, freedom, and life still matter, subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations that challenge the culture and inspire courage. #bencarson #commonsense #prolife #faith #christianity #roevwade #dobbs #life #family #prayer #adoption #fostercare See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Is America’s crisis political – or spiritual? In this episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson , Dr. Carson sits down with Dr. Phil McGraw for a powerful conversation about faith, family, religious liberty, mental health, patriotism, and the future of America. Dr. Phil explains why he believes Americans are searching for meaning, why young people are struggling with loneliness and anxiety, and why the family unit remains one of the most important foundations of a healthy society. They also discuss the Founding Fathers, America’s 250th anniversary, religious freedom, technology addiction, and what everyday Americans can do to stand for faith, liberty, community, and life. Subscribe for more conversations about faith, freedom, family, and common sense. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

What happens after the battlefield goes quiet? Former Navy SEAL Josh Jakub joins Dr. Ben Carson for a powerful conversation on the unseen scars of service—moral injury, PTSD, and the battle many veterans and first responders face long after coming home. Through raw stories from combat and hard-won lessons about faith, brotherhood, and purpose, they explore what real healing looks like and why hope is never out of reach. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Join Dr. Ben Carson and Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach for a stirring conversation about the upcoming Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall—a historic national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Together, they reflect on the miracles that shaped our nation, the indispensable role of faith in America’s founding, and why religious liberty remains essential to preserving freedom today. In a time when many Americans are searching for hope and unity, Dr. Carson and Keith Krach discuss how faith, gratitude, and shared purpose can help renew the nation’s spirit for the next generation. Learn how families, churches, schools, and communities in all 50 states can join this nationwide movement and be part of a powerful moment to rededicate America to the values that made our nation strong. Mark your calendars for Rededicate 250 on May 17: https://rededicate250.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Can you really “rewire” your brain? And what does modern neuroscience say about what the Bible has taught for thousands of years? In this compelling conversation, Dr. Ben Carson sits down with fellow neurosurgeon and author Dr. Lee Warren to explore the powerful connection between faith, trauma, healing, and the human mind. Together, they discuss how biblical principles like “renewing your mind” (Romans 12) and “taking every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10) align with groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. Dr. Warren explains the concept of “self-brain surgery” — the intentional practice of changing destructive thought patterns to build resilience, find healing, and experience lasting peace. From overcoming trauma and anxiety to strengthening mental and spiritual health, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of how God designed the human brain to flourish.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

When a society rewards outrage, grievance, and canceling others, forgiveness may be the one thing it cannot control. In this episode of Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Carson sits down with theologian, author, and speaker Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing to discuss her new book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming the Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear. They explore why forgiveness is often mistaken for weakness, how bitterness can quietly damage our hearts and minds, and why Christian forgiveness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing, minimizing pain, or abandoning justice. Dr. Orr-Ewing also shares powerful real-life stories of radical forgiveness – including forgiveness after terrorism in Northern Ireland – and explains why grace may be one of the strongest answers to a culture trapped in resentment and revenge. If you are wrestling with anger, family wounds, political division, or the desire to hold onto bitterness, this conversation offers a hopeful, faith-filled path forward. Topics include: • Why outrage culture struggles with forgiveness • How grievance and victimhood become forms of power • Why Christian forgiveness does not erase justice • The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation • How unforgiveness affects the body and mind • Forgiveness in families, politics, marriage, and public life • Why grace may be one of the most powerful answers to our divided age Subscribe to Common Sense with Dr. Ben Carson for conversations about faith, liberty, community, life, and the issues shaping America. Timestamps: 0:00 – Our Culture Built Walls – But Lost Forgiveness 0:55 – Amy Orr-Ewing Says Forgiveness Has Become a Cultural Crisis 2:30 – Grievance Became Power – And Forgiveness Became Weakness 4:45 – Cancel Culture Has No Room for Redemption 5:45 – Christian Forgiveness Does Not Surrender Justice 8:55 – Her Father Was Murdered – Then She Chose Forgiveness 12:15 – Why Forgiveness Requires Something Bigger Than “Let It Go” 13:30 – Public Forgiveness Still Shocks a Culture Built on Revenge 15:45 – Bitterness Does Not Just Hurt the Soul – It Hurts the Body 18:30 – When Forgiveness Is Forced, It Can Become Harmful 19:50 – Politics Is Dividing Families – The Image of God Changes That 22:10 – Betrayal, Repentance, and the Hard Question of Restoration 25:05 – Politics Rewards Attack – Forgiveness Requires Strength 26:15 – Amy Orr-Ewing Says Forgiveness Could Rebuild a Divided Nation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .