Ben: We Are Thicker Than Water
Ben shares what you should know about his family, what he thinks of Brooklyn's marathon, and what happened at his prom.
Bravotv.com: What do you want people to know about your family as they start watching the show?
Ben: I want everyone to see how exciting and funny my blended family is. Each family member is like a cartoon character. I also think as people watch the show they will see themselves in one of us. I also want to [use the show to] reach out to long-lost loved ones and say "I love you and we are thicker than water."
[video_clip_url:http://player.theplatform.com/p/PHSl-B/yT7k3t_YLXoZ/embed/select/a5ywCtQGFng1]
Bravotv.com: What did you think of Cyrene's would-be-suitor Josh?
Ben:He reminds me of myself when I was his age: tall, intoxicating smile -- and maybe a little too handsome. His long arms concern me: I hope he does not turn out to be an "octopus" with Cyrene. Keep your hands to yourself, juvenile! (LOL!)
Bravotv.com: Do you always ask so many questions and challenge potential suitors to basketball games?
Ben: No this is new for me, in the past when Cyrene has brought a "friend" to my attention, it has been someone very short. This is the first time I have had to look UP to talk to one. . .
Bravotv.com: Can you tell us a little more about your morning routines/affirmations?
Ben:I have a daily regimen that includes 5 am basketball, prayer for 30 minutes, and vision boarding (looking at my color vision board and reciting the different goals). My new book is called Faith It ‘Til You Make It: Making Your Future Hear Your Voice. It goes into details on making daily declarations so I guess you could in a sense say I "wrote the book" on it.
Bravotv.com: What did you think of Brooklyn’s decision to run the marathon?
Ben: I'm a "crawl before you walk" sort of guy. How can you finish a marathon when you don't EVER work out and you have not even done a "mini-thon"? I was concerned about Brooklyn pulling a muscle. I teach my kids to be big thinkers, but I never want them to overdo it and do something that may cause them to hurt themselves. The last time Brooklyn ran in anything, Moses was crossing the Red Sea.
Bravotv.com: And of her lack of preparation for the race (including signing up for it)?
Ben: Brooklyn is not one for details, so it is totally believable that she registered late.
[video_clip_url:http://player.theplatform.com/p/PHSl-B/6SBpZW9dYNrM/embed/select/_rmM79bZWpJ2?form=html]
Bravotv.com: Brooklyn and Benji are both very forthcoming about their former mistakes, is that something you taught them?
Ben: It is not something that I taught them directly, but I guess they just pick it up along the way by hanging around me. I have a very transparent style, and in my motivational speeches they have seen me share secret details like dropping out of college, divorce, and financial disasters like bankruptcy and repossession. They have witnessed how my personal testimonies have helped people get over some of their current personal struggles, so I can see how they could have picked it up along the way.
Bravotv.com: What do you remember about your prom?
Ben: My prom was great but AFTER the prom is when I got "frisky." I ended up in the back of a 1972 pinto having sex with my girlfriend, the first time for two virgins. THIS memory is what causes me so much concern with Cyrene. . .I don't want this sort of encore performance with my daughter. Let's stop the generational curse and stop it now.
[video_clip_url:http://player.theplatform.com/p/PHSl-B/yT7k3t_YLXoZ/embed/select/W9DfKmACnqhj]
